Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Seoul: Former finalists FC Seoul from Korea Republic moved to the brink of qualifying for the last 16 of the 2016 AFC Champions League despite being held to a goalless draw at home by China’s Shandong Luneng on Tuesday.
After 14 goals in the previous three games in Group F, it was a frustrating evening for the hosts at Seoul World Cup Stadium as the 2013 runners-up moved onto 10 points from four games, three clear of second-placed Shandong.
“The players and myself too really wanted to book an early passage to the second round. We did our best in a game that was tight. One goal would probably have been enough, but it was a game plan that we executed well. It was just that the result did not go our way,” said FC Seoul coach Choi Yong-soo.
“It was a game where defences were on top, but we just couldn't get the goal. There are two games remaining at home to Buriram and then away to Sanfrecce Hiroshima, but we will prepare as well as we can.”
FC Seoul recorded a 4-1 win against the same opposition in China three weeks ago, but Choi Yong-soo’s side struggled to break down the Chinese Super League side.
While the first half was tight, both teams had chances, but it was the home side that came the closest as FC Seoul defender Osmar Barba struck the foot of the post with a superb volley after 16 minutes.
But just after the half hour mark, Shandong almost took the lead as Brazilian defender Gil headed a right sided free-kick just past the FC Seoul post.
FC Seoul's Brazilian striker Adriano had scored nine goals from the first three games of the group stage, but struggled to make an impact against the well-drilled visitjng defence.
The Brazilian did, however, continue to be a threat but it was Ko Kwang Min who went close with 20 minutes remaining as a floated cross from Kim Dong-woo was directed by Dejan Damjanovic into the path of the midfielder and his half volley from the edge of the area bounced just wide.
Soon after, Damjanovic's goalbound effort was blocked, and with eight minutes remaining, Ju Se-jong's shot from the edge of the area rocketed just over the Shandong crossbar.
FC Seoul, though, almost snatched the three points deep into injury time but Yun Ju-tae's shot from inside the area was deflected just wide.
“I expected this kind of game. Seoul were aggressive and attacked from the start, but we coped well with that,” said Shandong coach Mano Menezes.
“Defensively, we stuck to our plan well. We did not do ourselves justice in the last game when we lost 4- 1 to Seoul, but I am happy with the performance and the result here.
“We still have two games remaining and are looking forward to the challenge.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports