The AFC Champions League groupings have been finalized, and Ulsan Hyundai have delivered a pleasant surprise for Shandong Taishan, who have met relatively weak opponents. Shandong Taishan have only won 7 out of 16 matches in the Chinese Super League, and if they are unlucky enough to lose, they are feared to face the teasing of Shanghai Harbor.
The four teams representing Chinese soccer in the 2023-2024 Asian Champions League included Shanghai Seaport, Shandong Taishan, Zhejiang and Wuhan Sanzhen. Shanghai Seaport went down 2-3 to Baton Rouge United in the play-offs. Zhejiang and Wuhan Three failed to make it out of the group stage and their AFC Champions League campaigns came to an end. Even though Shandong Taishan lost at the last minute, they were the only Chinese Super League team to reach the knockout stage by virtue of their thrilling advancement.
Given the rules of the East and West Asian divisions, Shandong Taishan's opponents in the knockout rounds will be limited to East Asian teams. In this draw, Kawasaki Frontale's opponent is Shandong Taishan due to the principle of group avoidance. Kawasaki have played the Chinese Super League 16 times and have only won 7 matches. Ulsan Hyundai's "gift" certainly makes Shandong Taishan feel lucky, and Kawasaki Frontale seems to be an easy opponent to deal with.
Since the reform of the AFC Champions League in 2009, Kawasaki Frontale has met with Chinese Super League teams 16 times, winning 7 games, drawing 4 and losing 5. Among them, 4 meetings with Beijing Guoan, win 2, lose 2; 4 meetings with Guangzhou Evergrande, win 2, draw 2; 2 meetings with Guizhou Renhe, all wins; 1 meeting with Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, win 1, lose 1; 4 meetings with Shanghai Harbor, draw 2, lose 2.
Looking back at the history of matches against Chinese Super League (CSL) teams, Shandong Taishan's draw against Kawasaki Vanguard may seem like good luck. However, Shandong Taishan will need to go all out to show their strength in their first encounter and make their opponents realize that the Chinese Super League is not only about money and foreign aid, but also about competitiveness. If Shandong Taishan is eliminated, they will once again be the target of Shanghai Harbor's jokes.
Despite winning the Chinese Super League title in the 2023 season, Shanghai Harbour's performance has been accompanied by controversy. Most notably, they failed to qualify for the main round of the AFC Champions League after going down 2-3 to Batang United in the AFC Champions League play-offs. At the time, Shanghai Harbour were leading the Chinese Super League, while Batang United were struggling in the Thai Premier League and at risk of relegation. Shanghai Seaport's loss sparked jeers from fans, with some teasing, "Isn't this the real level of the Chinese Super League champions?"
Nonetheless, Shanghai Seaport successfully defended their title for the 2023 season. In the AFC Champions League against Kawasaki Frontale, Shanghai Seaport has won all 4 meetings, showing a strength that cannot be underestimated. There are always winners and losers in soccer, and Shanghai Seaport can either win by accident or lose by accident.
