Shandong Taishan advances to AFC Champions League quarterfinals after victory in the title match
As Beijing time drew to a close on February 20, a key matchup in the second leg of the AFC Champions League 1/8 finals came to a close. Shandong Taishan went on the offensive in the second half and eventually beat Kawasaki Frontale 4-2, eliminating their opponents 6-5 on aggregate to reach the AFC Champions League quarterfinals for the third time, equaling their best-ever record.
In this campaign, Taishan team not only succeeded in advancing two powerful foreign aid Cressan and Jadson, local midfielder Lee Won-yi also shone. Choi Kang-hee's trust in Lee Won-yi was reflected in the game. Less than 10 minutes into the game, Lee made a key steal in front of the field and then took the ball into the Kawasaki Striker's penalty area, providing a good opportunity for Kressan to break the deadlock.
The game progressed with ups and downs, and Lee Won Yee's performance continued to be spectacular. In stoppage time, he took a direct shot from the top of the penalty area without making any adjustments, and it was full of power. It nearly pierced the Kawasaki goal. Fortunately, South Korea's former national goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong made a diving save to defuse the crisis. Had it not been for Jung's heroic performance, Lee Won-yi might have been able to pull off a miracle for Taishan four minutes earlier.
The authoritative rating agency sofascore rated Li Yuanyi after the game, and he got 7.6 points, only behind Kressan and Jadson. Many netizens have praised Li Yuanyi, calling him "China Modric" and "the strongest midfielder in China" and questioning "Why can't such a level be selected for the Asian Cup?"
So far, Lee Won Yee has played 36 games for Taishan, contributing 29 starts, 3 goals and 7 assists. These numbers are quite dazzling for a midfielder. Unfortunately, he failed to make the national team.
Looking back at the previous Asian Cup, Li Yuan, who had a high reputation, was not selected for the list. The weakness of the national team's midfield strength is also a key factor in the loss of the Asian Cup group stage. Imagine, if the kind of Kovic can call up Li Yuan Yi, his tireless running may be able to help the Chinese men's football team to avoid the embarrassment of the worst record in the history of the Asian Cup.
