Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Suwon: Group G winner Beijing Guoan from China joined Korea Republic’s Suwon Samsung in the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League after the pair played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at Suwon World Cup Stadium on Tuesday.
Montenegrin striker Dejan Damjanovic opened the scoring for Beijing midway through the first half only for Brazilian forward Leo to equalise for Suwon soon after.
And with Beijing having won the home fixture 1-0 earlier in the campaign, Gregorio Manzano’s side secured top spot in Group G and a meeting with either Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors or compatriots Shandong Luneng in the last 16 later this month.
Suwon, meanwhile, will face Group E winners Kashiwa Reysol from Japan for a place in the quarter-finals.
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Manzano hails Beijing's progression to last 16
Although Suwon were already assured of a place in the last 16 while Beijing needed a point to be sure, it was the hosts who enjoyed the lion's share of the chances.
Beijing, however, started brightly as Damjanovic‘s low shot from just outside the area rolled past Suwon's left post after 12 minutes.
But the Montenegrin marksman made no mistake after 25 minutes as the striker hooked the ball home from close range following Erton Fejzullahu’s equally eye-catching pass over his shoulder.
Suwon, though, were level within 60 seconds as a long ball out of defence was headed on by Lee Sang-ho to Leo and the on-rushing Brazilian chested the ball down before sending a left-footed volley rocketing into the net after busting into the penalty area.
Two minutes later, Leo received the ball with his back to goal, once again chested it down and turned to shoot just past the post.
On the half hour, Suwon somehow managed not to take the lead as Lee released the busy Leo who rolled the ball past Beijing goalkeeper Yang Zhi only to see his low shot rebound off the inside of the far post before fellow Brazilian Kaio fired the follow-up off the opposite upright.
The hosts continued strongly after the restart as Seo Jung-jin galloped down the right and his cross from the byline was perfectly flighted, but Kaio's header from an excellent position was just wide.
The second half then settled down into a cagey affair until the latter stages when Damjanovic had Beijing's best chance of the half with 10 minutes remaining but shot tamely at Jung Sung-ryong in the Suwon goal.
Suwon had the best opportunities, however, and should have found a late winner as Beijing goalkeeper Yang Zhi had to get down quickly to stop a well-taken Choi Jae-soo free-kick before the custodian saved once again with three minutes remaining to deny Leo who was through on goal.
Photo: WSG