October 22, 20:00 pm Beijing time, East Asia Region
AFC Elite
Third round of the group stage of the tournament.
Shandong Luneng Taishan
At home, we have to play against Japan's best team.
Yokohama Mariners
Matchup. This game was not just about qualifying for the group, it was also a big test of manager Choi Kang-hee's honor and tactical wisdom. Choi Kang-hee can't command from the sidelines because of AFC penalties, but he can contact his coaching team through walkie-talkies to make sure the adjustments are in place. So his absence will have little impact on Shandong Taishan.
This is actually a test of team cohesion. Tang Tian, Wen Huyi and Liu Jindong will replace Choi Kang Hee in the field command. This is a very important game for the team and Choi's dignity and honor, so the players will do their best. Last season in the AFC Champions League, Shandong Taishan lost 4 consecutive matches against Yokohama Marinos, and everyone is holding out for revenge. Yokohama Mariners is a strong team in the J-League, although the strength of the decline, but the counterattack breakthrough ability can not be underestimated. Their foreign aid trident once brought a big threat to the back line of Shandong Taishan. But now Shandong Taishan is not the same, the defense system is solid, there are Wang Dalei, Xie Wenneng, Li Yuanyi, Huang Zhengyu and other international players, confidence is greatly increased.
Offensively, Cressan, Wako and Zeka are ready to start, especially Xie Wenneng, who performed well in the national football team and was brought back to life after being protected by Choi Kang-hee's protective rotation, and is an important weapon in playing defensive counterattacks. AFC Champions League reformed after each game is critical, can not keep a point, must fight for the win. For Shandong Taishan, a win over Yokohama Marinos will boost their ranking in the standings, and will also give them a chance to get revenge and boost their morale and confidence. Shandong Taishan knows that the Chinese Super League teams have to fight for their face in the AFC Champions League. When the game starts, Taishan will be fighting for every inch of the ground, and will be looking for revenge and a morale-boosting victory.
