Shanghai SIPG edge Yokohama F Marinos in crucial showdown
SHANGHAI SIPG moved level with Group H leaders Yokohama F. Marinos on nine points after defeating them 2-1 at Al Janoub Stadium in Matchday Four of the 2020 AFC Champions League on Saturday.
The two sides had met three days earlier at the same ground with Yokohama F. Marinos needing a late goal from Jun Amano to win it. And with onegoal margin wins exchanged over the two fixtures, a superior overall goal difference helps the Japanese side retain the top spot in the group.
After a lively start to the game, it was Shanghai SIPG who took the lead at the quarter-hour mark when Chen Binbin whipped in a cross from the left for Cai Huikang who rose highest at the far post and powered in a header that nestled into the back of the net.
The response was almost instant from Yokohama F. Marinos as Ken Matsubara delivered a low cross from the right for Ado Onaiwu who miscued his shot from close range, missing the target.
The 25-year-old Onaiwu got a second chance to make amends in the 21st minute and he made no mistakes, sweeping home Teruhito Nakagawa’s cross in off the goalkeeper to restore parity.
Aware of the need to win if they are to keep pace with their opponents at the top of the group, head coach itor Perreira’ SIPG side retook the attacking initiative as Lyu Wenjun’s header passed agonisingly close at the half-hour mark then saw his free-kick saved by the goalkeeper minutes later.
The Chinese Super League side continued their pressure after the restart and within six minutes they had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Ricardo Lopes pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a curler, but goalkeeper Powell Obinna Obi made a fine save to deny the Brazilian.
There was nothing the young Yokohama F. Marinos goalkeeper could do when Lopes dribbled past two players and exchanged a one-two with fellow Brazilian Oscar, sending the number 9 through on goal.
Lopes applied a calm finish to seal the victory for Shanghai SIPG in the 55th minute.
Shanghai SIPG can confirm their place in the Round of 16 with just a draw in their Matchday Five match against bottom side Sydney FC who have now been eliminated from the competition.
Yokohama F. Marinos also need to avoid defeat in their encounter with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors to book their place in the next round and eliminate the K League 1 champions.
Scoreline: Shanghai SIPG 2 (Cai Huikang 14’, Ricardo Lopes Pereira 55’) bt Yokohama F Marinos 1 (Ado Onaiwu 21’).