AFC Champions League Journey: Three Chinese Super League teams have mixed fortunes, Yokohama Mariners in focus
In the sixth round of the AFC Champions League group stage last night, Wuhan Sanzhen, one of the top three teams in the Chinese Super League, drew 1-1 with Pohang Ironmen at home, and although the team showed tenacity, they unfortunately failed to advance. As a newcomer to the AFC Champions League, Sanzhen did their best in the six rounds of the competition. After the match, goalkeeper Liu Dengzheng expressed his regret and said, "We will come back next year and thank the fans for their support."
Looking ahead to next year, fans can only silently wish for the best. Shandong Taishan and Zhejiang completed their respective matches in the final round of the AFC Champions League group stage. Zhejiang still has a chance to qualify for the group, while Shandong Taishan, who are ranked first in Group G, face Yokohama Mariners on the road in the final round. As long as they avoid mistakes, Taishan is expected to advance, it's just a matter of first or second place in the group.
However, Yokohama Mariners are not easy to beat. Pohang Ironmen, who advanced to the next level last night, missed two open goals in the match, leaving fans staring in disbelief. If the Pohang Ironman is placed in the Chinese Super League, I am afraid it will make the Chinese fans of the "mouth star" to be afraid. After the game, the fans had a lot of comments: "Pohang Ironman's performance was terrible!" "Liu Dianzai attacked in the midfield, Pohang bought a draw?" "Giving Sanjin an oval goal is disgusting, passing the ball instead of shooting at an open goal."
Not all teams were as lucky as Shandong Taishan to receive the "unmerited favor" of a Korean team. Yokohama Marinos beat Shandong Taishan 1-0 and are now third in the group, with the qualification situation not looking good. When they return home, they will have to give it their all. Taishan is missing two foreigners, Moises and Fellaini, and Pato has returned to Brazil early. The team will need to develop targeted tactics, focusing on defensive counter-attacks and the three domestic midfielders!
Choi Kang-hee, at least in the first half, adopted the tactic of three center backs, with Lee Won-yi, Hwang Jung-woo, and Liao Li-Sang starting in the midfield. The opponents strung out, fought physically, contracted space, and could not perform high robberies considering the foot skills and localized cooperation of the Yokohama players. Once the robbery fails, it will be caught by the opponent. Tighten up the defensive formation with a barrel formation and then look for opportunities for quality counterattacks so that it is possible to steal one and the opponent cannot be flawless.
In addition to the lack of centers and strikers in the Taishan team, the right side is also a hidden problem. Will Li Hailong be able to start? If not, I guess we can only play Jixiang or Relax, it is more difficult for the two to run all over the field. Liu Binbin's performance is crucial! Xie Wen can be more reliable if breakthroughs aren't difficult. Liu Binbin plays right back in the national team, if Lao Cui plays three center backs, Liu Binbin also plays right back? If Jixiang can keep up with the physical health, long passes can still help the team.
Yokohama away game, Taishan team refused to be "double killed"! The enemy is strong and we are weak, but the pressure is on the enemy. Representing the Chinese Super League level, Taishan must go out on top!
