The Taishan team, which has been honed in South Korea, embarked on a journey to Japan on December 9, Beijing time, to prepare for the AFC Champions League group stage finale, away to Yokohama Mariners.
As the "Iron Division" in the Chinese Super League, Taishan always maintains a high state of mind. After defeating Kaya, the team moved to Jeju Island in South Korea to start intensive training, which is not only a warm-up for the AFC Champions League group stage, but also the beginning of winter preparation. During the week of training on the Korean island, Taishan did not relax.
Now, Taesan team has finished their trip to Korea and departed for Japan. According to the plan, they will resume training on the 10th and prepare for the match against Yokohama Mariners on the 13th. Currently, Taishan is leading the table with 12 points, but the qualification place is still in doubt. Looking ahead, Taishan's prospects for qualification are bright, as long as they outscore their opponents by less than three goals, they will be able to secure a place in the tournament.
In the first round of meetings, Taishan was defeated by Yokohama Mariners at home, but the team hit the post twice and lost only due to lack of luck. Facing the upcoming challenges, Taishan still need to overcome the difficulties. Fellaini and Moises have left the team early, and Pato has returned to China due to injury, leaving only Jadson and Cressan as the only two foreigners who can play, and the team's strength will inevitably be damaged. Facing Yokohama Mariners, Taishan can't afford to lose.
Yokohama Mariners' recent situation is also not optimistic. The Australian coach, Mr. Muscat, has left the club and is yet to find a new coach, who may be replaced by an assistant coach for the duration of the match. In order to qualify, the Yokohama Mariners will need to outscore their opponents by at least two goals, and they will have to give it their all.
In the Super League, Sanzhen has bid farewell to the group stage in advance, finishing at the bottom of the group with one win, two draws, three losses and five points, and not qualifying for the knockout stage. Zhejiang will challenge Melbourne City on the road in the final round and still have a chance of survival if they can win.
