The come-from-behind win keeps the Japanese side undefeated and on top of Group E, while Korea Republic’s Gyeongnam are still searching for their first-ever win in the AFC Champions League.

The former Manchester United midfielder headed home from a corner on the half hour mark to open the scoring, before fellow ex-English Premier League star Graziano Pelle doubled the advantage.

JDT's young talent Safawi Rasid pulled a goal back in spetacular style just before the hour, but Fellaini and his teammates were able to hold out for a crucial win that sees them take hold of second place in Group E.

Goals from former English Premier League stars Marouane Fellaini and Graziano Pelle handed the Chinese side a 2-0 half-time lead in the Group E clash at Jinan Olympic Sports Centre.

The Malaysian champions rallied after the interval and pulled a goal back through Safawi Rasid’s stunning long-range effort, but defeat leaves them with an uphill challenge to reach the knockout rounds.

The victory takes Shandong second in Group E, two points behind leaders Kashima Antlers, while JDT remain at the bottom of the standings with just one point.

On a cold and rainy night the home side were searching for their first win of the campaign after draws in their previous two Group E encounters with Shandong Luneng and Johor Darul Ta’zim.

It was the visitors who had the first clear shot on goal in the ninth minute when Koki Anzai found space on the edge of the area, but the defender lashed his shot wide of the mark.

Melbourne have endured a disappointing start to their Group F campaign, losing successive games to Korea Republic’s Daegu FC and Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima to leave them propping up the table, three points behind two-time champions Guangzhou and six off top spot.

The Australian side have struggled on the road over the years in the AFC Champions League and have yet to record a victory in 20 attempts, meaning three points at Tianhe Stadium would be regarded as a huge turn up for the books.

The 2017 AFC Champions League finalists came from two goals down inside the first half an hour to rescue their second point in the continental campaign.