Passionate showdown on the horizon: Shandong Luneng face challenges against Kawasaki Frontale
On the night of August 13th, at 24:00 GMT, the first round of the AFC Champions League (AFC Champions League) 1/8 finals will take place. Shandong Luneng, the only team in the Chinese Super League to win the AFC Champions League, will host the Japanese team Kawasaki Frontale, a team that should not be underestimated.
Looking back at last season, Shandong Luneng held on to their last shred of dignity amongst the Chinese Super League teams, becoming the only Chinese Super League team to advance to the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League, despite ultimately missing out on the Super League trophy. It is worth mentioning that although Shandong Luneng has played in the AFC Champions League many times, they have never met Kawasaki Vanguard before. Therefore, this matchup will be a new challenge for Shandong Luneng.
In terms of overall strength, Shandong Luneng seems to be slightly inferior, especially in the overall fighting strength, compared with the stability of Kawasaki Striker is lacking. Therefore, for Shandong Luneng, this game is undoubtedly a match full of gunpowder flavor. Less than ten days before the start of the match, Shandong Luneng received another frustrating news. Zeca, the powerful center forward who was just signed by Pohang Ironmen from South Korea's K-League, will not be able to play in this crucial game due to injury. This is undoubtedly a fatal blow to Shandong Luneng.
It is reported that Zeca has returned to Brazil for treatment after an unfortunate injury during the previous winter training. As a result, he will definitely not be able to make it to Shandong Luneng's AFC Champions League match. I originally thought that Zeca only had a minor injury and would be able to return to the field soon. But now it seems that this is almost impossible to happen.
Zeca is highly expected by Shandong Luneng and is regarded as the successor of former Belgian star Fellaini. He not only has excellent physical condition, but also has excellent shooting skills and full domination in front of goal. Data shows that during the last season playing for Pohang Ironman, he contributed 17 goals and 10 assists to the team, and his attacking efficiency in front of goal in 44 games even exceeded that of Fellaini, who has announced his retirement.
Therefore, the absence of this powerful ace center forward will undoubtedly bring a heavy blow to Shandong Luneng. It's no exaggeration to say that Zecca's absence due to injury will undoubtedly greatly increase the difficulty for Shandong Luneng to win in this match. It seems that the situation is not optimistic for Shandong Luneng to enter the AFC Champions League quarterfinals.
