Guangzhou, Suwon to lock horns in do-or-die battle
Marinos look to seal knockout berth against Jeonbuk
GUANGZHOU Evergrande face their ultimate test in pursuit of a place in the 2020 AFC Champions League (East) Round of 16 when they take on Suwon Samsung Bluewings at Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday.
With Vissel Kobe having secured their place in the next round a week earlier, the two sides know their second headto-head clash will be vital for their chances of staying in Doha beyond the group stage.
And while Suwon Samsung Bluewings still have a game against Group G leaders Vissel Kobe three days later, meaning a draw on Tuesday still keeps their hopes alive and in their own hands, Guangzhou Evergrande know any result other than the three points leaves their fate at the mercy of the Korean side.
The two teams settled for a stalemate when they met in their first fixture in the Qatar capital nine days earlier, and since then head coach Fabio Cannavaro’s men exchanged wins with Vissel Kobe while Suwon Samsung Bluewings enjoyed plenty of rest with their double-tie against Johor Darul Ta’zim cancelled as the Malaysian side withdrew from the competition.
“In the first match, there was a look of misfortune that prevented us from winning but since then we trained well and that should help us win tomorrow,” said Suwon head coach Park Kun-ha.
“It is true that a draw still keeps our chances alive, but if we draw it will be a very difficult situation, so we will aim for victory tomorrow.
“We don’t have any particular issues. Before arriving here we had a lot of problems with our attackers. In the first matches we created a lot of chances but we could not score. Now that we have a full squad, we are more confident that we can find the goals that will help us win tomorrow.”
Two-time AFC Champions League winners Guangzhou Evergrande have made the knockout stage in all but one of their eight appearances in the competition, crashing out at the group stage in 2016.
Suwon Samsung Bluewings, meanwhile, have reached the semi-finals on two occasions most recently in their last appearance in 2018 when they lost to Kashima Antlers of Japan.
“If we want to go forward, we should win this match. We will do our best. We know them, we played against them nine days ago. Of course, if we want to go to the next stage, we must win. They have a game more, but for us it is the last game. I want to try to win this game because we don’t want to wait,” said Cannavaro.
“It is not easy, I tried in the last three games to change the line-up every time so we do
not get tired. The good news is that Fernandinho was back in training yesterday, the bad news - Park Ji-soo wasn’t in good condition this morning.
“I know I don’t have all my players here but I will give the opportunity to everyone even if they are young, but this is the only way. In football, you can do amazing things, but if you don’t win, it means little,” added FIFA World Cup winner Cannavaro.
YOKOHAMAF.
Marinos will have two chances to book their ticket to the 2020 AFC Champions League Round of 16, but head coach Ange Postecoglou is eager to ensure that only one is required when they face Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on Tuesday.
Joint group leaders alongside Shanghai SIPG on nine points, the 2019 J1 League champions hold a handsome five-point advantage on thirdplaced Jeonbuk, meaning their progression will be secure even with a draw at the Al Janoub Stadium. But head coach Angle Postecoglou has never been known to approach games looking for any other than three points, and the former Australia boss declared he was excited about the 90 minutes ahead.
“It’s another good challenge for us. They’re a very good team with a very good coach and they’ve been successful again in the K League. They have great pedigree in this tournament. They have a few injuries and players missing, but it is a great challenge for us.
“We’re trying to establish ourselves in this competition for years to come and games like tomorrow are a good chance to test ourselves against one of Asia’s best,” said Postecoglou.
(AFC)