Saitama: A point is all that is needed for Group F leaders Urawa Red Diamonds to confirm their safe passage to the Round of 16 of the 2017 AFC Champions League ahead of the visit of Western Sydney Wanderers to Saitama Stadium on Wednesday.
Urawa’s 1-0 win over Shanghai SIPG on Matchday Four moved the J.League side above their Chinese opponents on goal difference at the top of the standings with two games to play. Shinzo Koroki returns from suspension for the clash with Western Sydney, who they defeated 4-0 in the reverse fixture in February.
After losing their opening two games, Western Sydney won one and lost one in the double header with FC Seoul on Matchdays Three and Four to maintain their slim hopes of progressing to the last 16, but only a win will do if they are to remain in the hunt for a top-two finish.
A penalty shootout defeat to Brisbane Roar at the weekend ended Western Sydney’s A-League finals series hopes. No such worries for Urawa, though, whose 3-2 victory over Consadole Sapporo maintained their lead at the top of the J.League and made it five wins on the bounce in all competitions.
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com