Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Guiyang: A-League Premiers Western Sydney Wanderers claimed their first-ever win in the AFC Champions League as Mark Bridge’s early strike secured a 1-0 win over Chinese FA Cup winners Guizhou Renhe on Wednesday.
Bridge was on hand to stab home from close range after just eight minutes of Western Sydney’s second AFC Champions League fixture at Guiyang Olympic Centre Stadium having lost last month’s debut outing 3-1 at home to Korea Republic’s Ulsan Hyundai.
Tony Popovic’s side did have to survive a few close calls especially in the second half as Guizhou looked to bounce back from their opening defeat by Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale, but Western Sydney held on to their slender advantage to move up into second place in Group H behind early pacesetters Ulsan.
Despite heading into the contest following three consecutive defeats in all competitions, Western Sydney took the lead after just eight minutes as Bridge was on hand to poke home from close range after Guizhou goalkeeper Zhang Lie could only parry Daniel Mullen’s header from Shannon Cole’s corner.
And things almost got even better for the visitors just seven minutes later, but after heading home, Labinot Haliti’s celebrations were cut short by the linesman’s flag.
Having been fortunate not to find themselves two goals behind, Guizhou’s best chance of the opening 45 minutes arrived after 26 minutes as visiting goalkeeper Jerrard Tyson had to be on his toes to push away a low drive from Yu Hai.
Guizhou coach Gong Lei introduced Bosnian midfielder Zvjezdan Misimovic at half-time in an attempt to inspire a turnaround in fortunes, but it was Western Sydney who had the first chance of the second period as Bridge shot over the crossbar from distance.
The home side finally came into the contest as the half progressed and Zhang Chenglin failed to find the target twice in quick succession either side of the hour mark.
But despite their improvements, Guizhou almost handed the visitors a second goal after 66 minutes as goalkeeper Zhang inexplicably allowed a deep cross into the area from Youssouf Hersi to drop over his head, but fortunately for the home side, Cole could not direct his sliding effort on target with the goal at his mercy.
Misimovic was able to test Western Sydney goalkeeper Tyson with 18 minutes remaining, but after the visiting custodian dealt with that free-kick, the home side struggled for quality in the final third for the remainder of the contest and were forced to settle for a second consecutive defeat.