The hosts went into the game in second place in the Group G standings, two points behind their opponents and three ahead of Urawa Red Diamonds with two games to play.

But Korea Republic international Kim Shin-wook’s first-half goal proved decisive as the 1-0 victory for the two-time champions sealed top spot, while Urawa’s 2-1 win over Buriram United saw the Japanese team move above Beijing on goal difference.

Having gone three games without a goal in the 2019 AFC Champions League, powerful forward Hulk roared back into form at the perfect moment for Shanghai SIPG with a fine brace to keep their destiny in their hands going into the final Group H tie on May 21.

Defeat to hosts Kawasaki would have seen the Chinese club needing to rely not only on three points from the Matchday Six tie away at group winners Ulsan Hyundai, but also results to go their way in the match between Sydney FC and Kawasaki in Australia.

The result leaves Beijing needing to win against Urawa Red Diamonds on Matchday Six to be certain of joining the club from Korea Republic in the next round of the competition.

Jeonbuk will face the runners-up in Group H – either Shanghai SIPG or Kawasaki Frontale – in the next phase of the competition as they progress to the knockout rounds for the 11th time in 12 appearances in the AFC Champions League.

Ahead of their maiden AFC Champions League campaign, JDT's players had spoken about the big test and challenge awaiting the team when they stepped up to the tournament's elite club level.

Now, four matches in, the side from Johor Baru can be proud of their performance so far.

While results haven't gone their way - three defeats and a draw - Malaysia's champions only lost by a single goal margin against some of Asia's more seasoned sides.

The two-time champions moved on to seven points from their first five games and will take on Beijing FC at the Saitama Stadium 2002 in two weeks’ time, needing a win to advance to the last 16 after goals from Shinzo Koroki and Yuki Muto earned Urawa the points at the Buriram Stadium.

Hulk struck either side of half-time to deny the Japanese the win with Leandro Damiao and Shogo Taniguchi scoring for Kawasaki, who remained stuck in third place in Group H behind leaders Ulsan Hyundai and Shanghai.

After joining the Korea Republic side in February, Englishman Mutch made his AFC Champions League debut in the reverse fixture in a game that saw Italian striker Pelle, who now has six goals to his name, net twice in a 2-2 draw.

Gyeongnam then picked up one point from their next two games, with Mutch scoring in defeat to defending champions Kashima Antlers on Matchday Three, before he set up Takahiro Kunimoto’s goal as the K League team claimed a famous 1-0 victory over the holders two weeks ago.