In our last match against Yokohama, we regretted the missed opportunity despite playing at home, but this matchup was a mix of mixed emotions, helplessness and speechlessness.
Mateusz unfortunately retired with an injury, and Yong Ka-sung was again ejected with a red card shortly after the start of the second half. Shandong seemed to abandon the martial arts tactics they were originally known for on the pitch against Yokohama, and the numerical advantage was not fully realized.
The whole team's offense was like a stroll, with one outrageous shot that failed to be converted into a goal, and instead was repeatedly beaten by Yokohama's efficient counter-attacks. Even with Wang Dalei's repeated heroic saves, it was difficult to stop Lopez's brilliant overhead chop.
In the second half, Shandong Taishan's attacking tempo was not unlike that of the national team if they wore red jerseys...
Facing two Japanese teams, highly regarded South Korean coach Choi Kang-hee showed a very different style of clinical command.
Especially in this game, he boldly used the low status of the "tainted player" Wu Xinghan, not only led to the team to lose the ball, defensive errors also let teammates red. This year's AFC Champions League, he made two appearances, the last time he made a mistake in stopping the ball to send a corner kick, but also missed... The complexity of this relationship, and who can easily understand?
After the game, Wu Xinghan naturally became the object of fan bombardment, people can not help but sigh: Chen Pu why do not go on the field to show the front?
Nonetheless, Shandong still holds the best record in the AFC Champions League, as the only team in the Chinese Super League, especially after the stunning comeback against Kawasaki away from home in the last round.
Objectively speaking, there is a considerable gap between us and Japan, both in terms of clubs and national teams.
However, when will the Chinese team blossom again on their way to the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League? (The last time was the record set by Evergrande in 2019)...
