Shandong Luneng advances to AFC Champions League last 8 with comeback win
4:2. Shandong Luneng, the sole seed of the Chinese Super League (CSL) that was not favored, succeeded in a comeback against all odds on the road, defeating Kawasaki Striker, which was regarded as the strongest team in East Asia, and advancing to the last 8 of the AFC Champions League with a total score of 6-5, breaking the dreary history of the Chinese Super League that had failed to enter the last 8 of the AFC Champions League for 4 years.
Shandong Luneng's comeback was not only due to head coach Cui Kangxi's excellent layout and on-site command, but also because of the excellent performance of the whole team's soldiers. Throughout the game, Brazilian striker Cressan was undoubtedly the most shining star, who performed two consecutive hat tricks. Without Cressan's excellent play, Shandong Luneng would probably have stopped in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League.
In addition to Cressan, there were two other local superstars who had eye-catching performances. Without these two local aces, it would have been difficult for Shandong Luneng to come back from this game and advance to the last eight of the AFC Champions League. They are Gao Junyi, the core of the defense, and Li Yuanyi, the soul of the midfield. It is worth mentioning that these two local players have played for Guangzhou Evergrande.
Despite only joining Shandong Luneng in the winter window, Gao Zhunyi quickly won Cui Kangxi's trust and was placed in the right back position to take on the heavy responsibility. Gao Zhunyi's performance lived up to expectations, not only defending the right side of the road, but also scored a key goal, both offense and defense, contributed greatly.
Let's focus on midfielder Lee Won-il. Choi Kang-hee placed him in the center of the midfield, in charge of scheduling the attack and becoming the commander of the team's attack. Lee quickly integrated into the game, creating frequent attacking chances for the team, and it was Lee's precise assist that led to Clemson's first goal in the 8th minute of the game.
Undoubtedly, the outstanding performances of Gao Junyi and Li Yuanyi in this match were the key to Shandong Luneng's victory over their opponents. Interestingly, despite their outstanding individual abilities, both had been unfortunate members of the national team and recently missed the Asian Cup. The reason for the absence was apparently not injury, but the decision-making of former national soccer coach Jankovic.
I believe that with the new coach of the national soccer team taking over, these two national team relics will regain their luster. In the upcoming preliminaries, I expect them to play to their full strength and bring surprises to Chinese fans.
