Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Jeonju: Pablo Batalla netted a penalty with four minutes remaining as Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan took a huge step towards a first-ever AFC Champions League quarter-final appearance after snatching a 1-1 draw with former winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in Tuesday’s last 16 first leg.
Current K-League Classic leaders Jeonbuk had taken the lead after 12 minutes at a chilly Jeonju World Cup Stadium as Kim Kee-hee headed home a free-kick from lively Brazilian Leonardo, although Beijing should have equalised before half-time through Swedish striker Erton Fejzullahu.
But after 2006 winners Jeonbuk had wasted several chances to increase their lead ahead of next week’s second leg at Workers’ Stadium, Argentinean midfielder Batalla held his nerve from the penalty spot after Fejzullahu had been fouled by Lee Jae-moung.
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Video highlights
Despite temperature suddenly dropping at kick-off after the teams had warmed up in pleasant early evening conditions at Jeonju World Cup Stadium, both Jeonbuk and Beijing made bright starts to the contest with Dejan Damjanovic and Leonardo creating early chances.
And it was Leonardo who helped break the deadlock after just 12 minutes as the Brazilian’s free-kick from close to the near touchline was met by Kim and the midfielder’s flicked header from 12 yards out towards the front post looped into the far corner with Beijing goalkeeper Yang Zhi rooted to the spot.
Beijing remained bright despite the setback, particularly through Damjanovic, although Jeonbuk ended the half strongly as Choi Bo-kyung and Leonardo threatened on multiple occasions for the home side.
But the visitors should have equalised two minutes before half-time as Fejzullahu found himself with the ball at his feet on the edge of the Jeonbuk six yard area following a fortunate deflection to Damjanovic’s shot only for the Swedish striker to inexplicably blaze over with only goalkeeper Kwoun Sun-tae to beat.
Jeonbuk, who had lost their last four ties in the last 16 in 2013 and 2014, were forced into a change at the start of the second half as captain Lee Dong-gook was forced off with an apparent injury, with the former AFC Champions League MVP replaced by Brazilian Edu.
And the striker almost announced his arrival in spectacular fashion as Edu volleyed wide six minutes before the hour mark before fellow second half substitute Eninho was denied by the legs of Yang 13 minutes later.
Jeonbuk continued to press in the closing stages and should have added a second with 11 minutes remaining as Leonardo raced clear of the Beijing defence, but with two defenders able to partially recover to increase the pressure, the Brazilian lifted his strike from the edge of the area over an exposed Yang as well as the crossbar.
And Jeonbuk, who were eyeing a return to the quarter-finals for the first time since reaching the 2011 final following back-to-back exits in the Round of 16 over the last two years, were made to pay for their missed chances with four minutes remaining as Batalla sent Kwoun the wrong way from the penalty spot after Fejzullahu had been upended by Lee Jae-moung.
Photo: WSG