Zhang Lu (R) of Shanghai Shenhua FC vies with Diego Oliveira of FC Tokyo during a Group F football match of the AFC Champions League in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 27, 2020. (Photo by Nikku/Xinhua)
DOHA, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Beijing Guoan defeated Melbourne Victory 2-0, its fourth consecutive victory in Group E while FC Tokyo edged Shanghai Shenhua 2-1 in Group F in the AFC Champions League (ACL) here on Friday.
Prior to kickoff, Guoan and Melbourne gathered in the center of the pitch to mourn the passing of legendary football star Diego Maradona.
Nine minutes after the game kicked off, Renato Augusto's long pass from the left side found Wang Gang on the right of the box. The latter rolled the ball back to Jonathan Viera Ramos, who volleyed through the middle to make it 1-0 for Guoan.
Before the end of the first half, Viera crossed the ball into the box from the left flank. Zhang Yuning snatched the ball and turned around for a low shot, which hit the post and bounced into the net.
The second half witnessed several Guoan attempts to enlarge the gap but their efforts were denied either by the goalkeeper or the post. Though Guoan failed to score another goal, the team still qualified for the knockout stage.
After a goalless first half in the battle between Shenhua and Tokyo, Tokyo broke the deadlock in the 57th minute through Leandro Montera's volley.
In the 81st minute, Taichi Hara's precise cross gifted Shuto Abe a tap-in right in front of the goal to widen the margin.
Five minutes later, thanks to Liu Ruofan's breakthrough on the right, Giovanni Moreno smashed in a volley to pull one back, but there was not enough time for Shenhua to level the scores.
Elsewhere, Chiangrai United beat FC Seoul 2-1 in Group E, while Ulsan Hyundai overcame Perth Glory 2-0 in Group F. Enditem
