Hulk’s heroics not enough to save SIPG

Shanghai SIPG crashed out of the AFC Champions League on Wednesday despite a 2-1 last-16 secondleg victory over Kashima Antlers.

Hulk scored twice to earn the host victory on the night, but the Japanese side progressed 4-3 on aggregate.

“We tried everything. Although it’s not good result, I’m satisfied with the team,” said SIPG coach Vitor Pereira, whose side sits atop the Chinese Super League.

“I think we played a good match, we played a good second half. In the first half we scored, but after that we were not so focused.

“If we had scored earlier in the second half, we could have leveled the total score, but we didn’t do it.

“We have to lift our heads and look forward to the domestic league and cup. It’s football, we cannot win every time.”

Antlers boss Oiwa Go praised his team’s resilience.

“I’m a little disappointed as we lost the match, but I’m satisfied that we go through to the last eight,” he said.

“Shanghai pressed us tightly, they played well. We kept defending through the last ten minutes.

“I sent on one player to give the message that we could defend the score to the final whistle and we did it. My players showed great mental strength in the game.”

Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, Hulk opened the scoring with a sixth-minute half-volley but Shoma Doi equalized from close range three minutes before the break.

Hulk fired home from the penalty spot in the 81st minute after Gen Shoji was judged to have handled in the area.

“I feel full of pity because we had the dream of the Asian title, but now it is over,” said Hulk.