“We knew this game would be very hard before it started,” said Morais, who took over from two-time AFC Champions League winning coach Choi Kang-hee late last year.

“We did lots of work before the game and the players completed the tasks assigned to them. This game was amazing for us. Unfortunately for Beijing, who played very well, but they didn’t win the game.

“Our players worked very hard. I don’t feel sorry about the wasted chances. The presence of the Korean fans gave us extra motivation. We took the victory and nobody was injured, and that is the most important thing.”

Jeonbuk can now relax ahead of the final round of group games when the club from Korea Republic host already-eliminated Buriram United while Beijing face off against Urawa Red Diamonds in a game both sides will be seeking to win to advance.

Morais, for his part, believes on current form Roger Schmidt’s side is more likely to take the runners-up spot in Group G.

“According to the current strength of both teams, I think Beijing will be the one who will go through to the next round,” said Morais, whose Jeonbuk team have beaten both Beijing and Urawa twice in the group phase.

Schmidt, meanwhile, was left ruing his side’s hectic schedule following the loss. The Chinese Super League leaders were playing their fourth game since April 28 and the German stressed fatigue was a major factor in his team’s display.

“We could have won, but the reality is that we have played four games in the last 11 days,” he said. “Our players are very tired. They are not machines. I understand their abnormal performance in the first half. Besides, our rival is very strong.”

“It was a very hard game for us. In the first half our formation was in trouble and that affected the tempo of our game. Jeonbuk were more determined and tougher. It’s reasonable that they scored a goal in the first half. We played much better in the second half and created many chances, which were all wasted unfortunately.

“Jeonbuk is at the top level in Asia. They are very strong physically and have a rich offensive strategy. It was not our day today.”