The Taishan team, which has been sharpened by Korea, has embarked on a journey to Japan on December 9, Beijing time to prepare for the upcoming AFC Champions League group stage finale against Yokohama Mariners.
As one of the hardest-working teams in the Chinese Super League, Taishan always keeps their competitive status. After the just-concluded Kaya battle, the team immediately moved to Jeju Island in South Korea to start training, not only to prepare for the AFC Champions League, but also to start the winter intensive training in advance. During that extraordinary week in Korea, Taishan's training intensity did not slacken in the slightest.
Today, the Taishan team ended the training in South Korea, ready to depart for Japan. According to the established plan, the team will restart training on the 10th to prepare for the battle of Yokohama Mariners on the 13th. Currently, Taishan is at the top of the table with 12 points, but the promotion quota has not yet been decided. Looking ahead, the Taishan team is full of confidence. As long as they can outscore their opponents by less than 3 goals, they will be able to secure their place in the tournament.
Looking back at the first round of meetings, Taishan suffered a 1-0 loss at home to Yokohama Marinos, but the team was a little less lucky as they hit the post twice. In this rematch, Taishan faces a number of challenges. Fellaini and Moises have left the team, and Pato has returned home due to injury. Jadson and Cressan will be the only foreigners available to the team, and their strength will undoubtedly be affected to a certain extent. Facing Yokohama Mariners, Taishan cannot afford to lose.
Meanwhile, the Yokohama Mariners have undergone personnel changes. The Australian coach, Mr. Muscat, has left the club, and a new coach has yet to be named, with an assistant coach likely to act as interim coach during the tournament. The Yokohama Mariners will have to net at least two goals if they want to advance, and they're going to give it their best shot.
In the Super League, Sanzhen have bid an early farewell to the group stage, finishing at the bottom of the group with one win, two draws, three losses and five points, missing out on qualification for the knockout stage. Zhejiang will face Melbourne City away in the final round, and they still have a chance to change their fate if they win.
