Knowing a win over the already-eliminated Australians would significantly boost their chances of securing a place in the Round of 16, Shenhua fell two goals behind, then scored three of their own in 11 minutes to take the lead in the Group F tie before a late penalty from Neil Kilkenny earned Perth their first point of the tournament.

Shenhua are now level on points with second-placed FC Tokyo and no closer to learning their Round of 16 stage fate, with Thursday’s simultaneous Matchday Six clashes to settle once and for all which team will join group winners Ulsan Hyundai in the next round.

A pair of superb free-kicks from Bruno Fornaroli and Carlo Armiento had the Australians in sight of their first ever win the competition, but Shenhua came roaring back with a brace from Givoanni Moreno, and Yu Hanchao then had them ahead in the 73rd minute, before Neil Kilkenny salvaged Perth’s maiden point from the penalty spot.

The result means Choi Kang-hee’s side are level with second-placed FC Tokyo on seven points, with Thursday’s final round of Group F matches to determine who advances.

With Vissel Kobe having secured their place in the next round a week earlier, the two sides know their second head-to-head clash will be vital for their chances of staying in Doha beyond the group stage.

And while Suwon Samsung Bluewings still have a game against Group G leaders Vissel Kobe three days later, meaning a draw on Tuesday still keeps their hopes alive and in their own hands, Guangzhou Evergrande know any result other than the three points leaves their fate at the mercy of the Korean side.

Joint group leaders alongside Shanghai SIPG on nine points, the 2019 J1 League champions hold a handsome five-point advantage on third-placed Jeonbuk, meaning their progression will be secure even with a draw at the Al Janoub Stadium.

But head coach Angle Postecoglou has never been known to approach games looking for any other than three points, and the former Australia boss declared he was excited about the 90 minutes ahead.

A second-half revival saw Chiangrai United claw back Melbourne Victory’s two-goal lead as Siwakorn Tiatrakul’s free-kick and Gionata Verzura’s tidy finish cancelled out Jake Brimmer’s spot-kick and Ben Folami’s lob for the Australians.

Despite a late avalanche of attacks, the AFC Champions League debutants could not find a winner to sustain their challenge for a Round of 16 berth and had to make do with a 2-2 draw to reach four points.

Goals from Jonathan Viera, Renato Augusto and Zhang Yuning were only replied by Yun Ju-tae’s late strike as the two sides played out an exciting match with plenty of chances at both ends.

The Korea Republic side came from behind to beat FC Tokyo 2-1, installing themselves as guaranteed Group F winners with a game to spare thanks to a spectacular brace from Yoon Bit-garam, who supplied the winning goal with five minutes remaining.