Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Nanjing: Jiangsu Sainty bounced back from their chastening introduction to the AFC Champions League, dominating their Group E encounter with Vegalta Sendai on Tuesday but only earning a 0-0 draw against the J.League runners-up.
Jiangsu, runners-up in the Chinese Super League last season, were handed a 5-1 defeat in their first-ever AFC Champions League match by K-League champions FC Seoul on Matchday 1, but the Nanjing-based club impressed against Vegalta without finding the back of the net.
Vegalta goalkeeper Takuto Hayashi was the hero for Sendai, who were held to a 1-1 draw on home soil by Buriram United in Matchday 1, as Jiangsu threatened to overrun Makoto Teguramori’s side.
“It was a rare match tonight,” said Jiangsu coach Dragan Okuka. “We played so well and didn't get a win. We've played very well in all aspects, but unfortunately we didn't score. We had 27 or 28 good chances and didn't score a goal. However this is football, I hope we can do better next time.
“For sure I am very happy with my players' performance. Today we proved what we can do. We didn't do well in Seoul, but today we made the statement that we can play against a team from J.League.
“It was a milestone match, this was our first AFC Champions League home game and we gained our very first point. Now four teams have the possibility of qualifying. All four teams are strong. Now we just want to play our games one by one.”
Hayashi was called into action as soon as the fifth minute when he denied Sun Ke’s close-range header and, six minutes later, he was on hand again, this time to deny Aleksandar Jevtic.
With six minute remaining in the half, Jiang Jiajun saw his effort deflected wide as the home side piled on the pressure.
The chances continued in the second half with Ji Xiangshooting just wide while Hayashi used his feet to deny substitute Hamdi Salihi while, in the dying minutes, Komollidin Tadjiev saw his header cleared off the goal line by Kodai Watanabe before Hayashi again denied Salihi as Sendai clung on for a point.
“I'm very satisfied with my players‘ performance,” said Teguramori. “They've done a great job. Though it was a difficult match, the opponents were very strong and caused us lots of trouble. I'm proud of my players.
“When I was preparing for the match, I intentionally arranged our strategy according to their characteristics. They are very tall and strong. Of course today my players played well.
“It was a difficult match and my team is very young. It is worth our effort. Though there were no goals in the match, I'm happy about what we've got today. In the future we will improve ourselves to face a team with such physical advantages.”
Photo: WSG