Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Ulsan: A goal from Elkeson sealed Shanghai SIPG’s place in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League as they defeated Group F rivals Ulsan Hyundai 1-0 on Matchday Four.
Ulsan had an excellent chance in the third minute but Yohei Toyoda headed over from just six yards out.
They threatened again when Kim In-sung rounded Yan Junling in the Shanghai goal but his cut-back evaded his teammates.
The visitors finally had an effort in the 30th minute when Oscar’s free-kick was tipped over by Oh Seong-hoon.
Six minutes later, another Oscar free-kick almost caught out Oh Seong-hoon but the keeper managed to tip the ball onto the bar.
In the 40th minute, there was a remarkable miss from Toyoda. Kim In-sung crossed low across goal and the striker shot over from inside the six-yard box.
And two minutes later, a free-kick was deflected into the path of Richard Windbichler but the Austrian volleyed against the bar.
Wu Lei and Odil Ahmedov were introduced by Shanghai at half-time as they attempted to change the course of the game.
And there was a reward for the away side five minutes into the second half when Hulk’s brilliant run saw him surge into the box and cross for Elkeson to stroke home the opening goal.
Ulsan continued to dominate possession but struggled to create until Mislav Orsic’s low drive from 20 yards brought a fine save from Yan Junling with 20 minutes remaining.
Elkeson and Wu Lei almost added a second in added time as Shanghai held on to book their place in the Round of 16.
The result puts Shanghai SIPG five points clear at the top of the group with 10 points from their four games, while Ulsan Hyundai remain second, level on five points with Melbourne Victory, but ahead on goal difference.
Both teams have home fixtures on Matchday Five as Shanghai host Kawasaki Frontale, while Ulsan face Melbourne Victory in a match that could decide who joins Shanghai in the last 16.