Shanghai: One of the most eagerly awaited AFC Champions League quarter-finals sees two-time winners Guangzhou Evergrande travel to domestic rivals Shanghai SIPG for the first leg at Shanghai Stadium on Tuesday.
Shanghai SIPG
After reaching the quarter-finals on their debut campaign in 2016, Shanghai SIPG have returned a far stronger outfit and have aspirations of lifting the title this time round.
Andre Villas-Boas’ team were arguably the most attack-minded side of the group stage, scoring 15 times in finishing runners-up in Group F to advance to the knockout rounds for the second successive year.
An all-Chinese affair with Jiangsu FC was navigated in the Round of 16 as 2-1 and 3-2 victories ensured Shanghai progressed to the last eight 5-3 on aggregate.
Brazilian Hulk has been one of the stars of the tournament and has six goals to his name, while a supporting cast of countrymen Elkeson and Oscar, as well as Odil Ahmedov and Wu Lei, offers frightening firepower.
Guangzhou Evergrande
Guangzhou Evergrande have been made to fight hard for their quarter-final berth but, in the latter stages once more, will be among the favourites to claim Asia’s top club prize.
Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side managed just two wins in Group G – against debutants Eastern SC – but four draws meant Guangzhou progressed as runners-up with an unbeaten record.
The last 16 proved equally tough as a narrow 1-0 home win over Kashima Antlers in the first leg was followed by a 2-1 reversal in Japan, with the now-departed Paulinho scoring in both games as Guangzhou advanced on away goals.
Despite the Brazilian’s untimely exit, Guangzhou have plenty of other match-winners within their ranks. Ricardo Goulart and Alan both netted crucial goals in the group stage, while the core of the squad knows what it takes to win the continental title.
Ones To Watch:
Shanghai SIPG v Guangzhou Evergrande
Venue: Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai
Kick-off: August 22, 20:00 UTC+8
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com