JINAN, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Japanese side Kashima Antlers built up a 3-1 home advantage against Chinese powerhouses Shanghai SIPG in the first leg of AFC Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday.
Both sides made the last 16 last year, and the SIPG later advanced to the semifinals. SIPG's Brazilian forward Hulk was absent for injury, so it was a challenge for coach Vitor Pereira to rotate the lineup.
The hosts found the lead in the 43rd minute when Yuma Suzuki took the scoring chance at Ryota Nagaki's corner. Antlers' Daigo Nishi added a second goal in the start of the second half.
With a 2-0 lead, Antlers began to sit on their two-goal advantage and conceded more ball possessions. The visitors forced a series of corners and Kwoun Sun-tae saved a header from SIPG's Brazilian striker Elkeson.
A cross by Koki Anzai was headed in by SIPG defender Yu Hai in the 75th minute to give Kashima an own goal. Elkeson pulled one back from close range two minutes later.
The second leg is scheduled on May 16 in Shanghai.
