4:2. Shandong Luneng, the "Lone Star of the Chinese Super League" which at first glance was not favored, staged a stunning comeback on the road to beat Kawasaki Frontale, a recognized East Asian powerhouse, and entered the AFC Champions League quarterfinals with a thrilling 6-5 aggregate score, breaking the deadlock of four years of Chinese Super League teams not being able to step into the AFC Champions League quarterfinals. The Chinese Super League team four years can not step into the AFC Champions League eight deadlock.
Shandong Luneng's comeback is a result of coach Cui Kangxi's ingenious layout, precise command on the field, and the hard work of every player on the team. In this match, Brazilian frontline superstar Cressan is undoubtedly the biggest contributor to the two consecutive games to offer a hat trick, if not for his excellent play, Luneng fear will stop the AFC Champions League round of sixteen.
In addition to Cressan, there were two other homegrown sluggers who had eye-catching performances. If not for them, Luneng would not have survived this tough battle and made it to the last eight of the AFC Champions League. These two local players are Gao Zhunyi, the defense shield, and Li Yuanyi, the midfield brain, who both played for Guangzhou Evergrande before.
Although Gao Junyi is a new addition in the winter window, he quickly won the trust of Choi Kang-hee and played right back in the AFC Champions League match against Kawasaki Striker, and lived up to his reputation, not only stabilizing the right side of the defense, but also contributing crucial goals, making a difference in both offense and defense.
As for Lee Won-il, the center of the midfield, Choi Kang-hee placed him in the C position in the midfield, responsible for dispatching the attack and becoming the commander of the team's attack. He quickly integrated into the game and created chances for the team, with his precise assist for Klassen's first goal.
Gao Junyi and Li Yuanyi, despite their outstanding individual abilities, had suffered a disappointment in the national team and missed the Asian Cup, not because of injuries, but because of the unwarranted abandonment of former national soccer coach Jankovic. With such talented players, Yankovic's selection vision is indeed questionable.
I believe that these two former national team relics will be reborn after the new national soccer coach takes over. In the upcoming qualifiers, I expect them to play to their full strength and bring surprises to Chinese fans.
