A first half strike from Wei Shihao and an own goal from Shandong defender Zheng Zheng sees Fabio Cannavaro's Guangzhou with a slim advantage ahead of the tie at Jinan Olympic Sports Center.

However, Zhang Chi's reply for Shandong does keep theings tantalisingly poised with the Jinan side returning to eastern China with an away goal from last week's visit to Tianhe Stadium.

Despite twice reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League, Shandong have still never managed a single victory in the knockout stages, drawing four and losing three of their seven games at this stage to date.

All four of the last 16 ties are tantilisingly poised - either level or with a team holding a slim one goal advantage - and promise some rollercoaster action to come. The-AFC.com has picked out five things to look out for ahead of the games.

Wei Shihao's first-half strike and a late own-goal from Zheng Zheng at Tianhe Stadium sees Guangzhou 2-1 in front on aggregate in the lead-up to Tuesday's second leg, but Zhang's fine angled strike that reduced the deficit does give Shandong a vital edge and an extra dimension to the clash of countrymen.

And the midfielder is adamant that the tie is still tightly poised.

The 24-year-old had been out of action in recent weeks, missing China PR’s games against the Philippines and Tajikistan, but returned for the 2-0 victory over Shanghai SIPG on Friday and then played a crucial role in the win over domestic rivals Shandong in the 2019 AFC Champions League.

Having missed a gilt-edged opportunity early in the game, Wei put the two-time winners in front in the 35th minute and was then quick to show his appreciation to doctor Silvano Cotti, running straight to the bench to embrace the Italian.

Holders Kashima Antlers, Guangzhou Evergrande and Ulsan Hyundai all take slim leads into the second legs, while the tie between Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Shanghai SIPG is still firmly in the balance.

With injuries to superstar attacker Talisca and veteran forward Gao Lin having ruled the pair out since mid-May, the two-time AFC Champions League winners were relieved to see Wei show no ill-effects from his recent lay-off and help Guangzhou secure an important advantage in their last 16 showdown with countrymen Shandong.