Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Suwon: China’s Guizhou Renhe picked up their first-ever point in the AFC Champions League thanks to a scoreless draw in Korea Republic as Gong Lei’s side held Group H rivals Suwon Bluewings at Suwon World Cup Stadium on Wednesday.
Guizhou, making their debut appearance in the competition after finishing in fourth place in the Chinese Super League last season, slipped to a 1-0 defeat at home on Matchday 1 against Kashiwa Reysol, but impressed against former Asian champions Suwon as they shared the points.
The draw was Suwon’s second in a row after also failing to score in their meeting with Central Coast Mariners last month, and the result moves Suwon into second place in the early standings behind leaders Kashiwa.
“Both teams played well and we are satisfied with a draw as we were able to avoid a defeat,” said Guizhou coach Gong.
“This is our first season in the AFC Champions League and to obtain a point from an away game is very good news for the team.
“We prepared very well and this result will give us a lot of confidence for the future.”
Guizhou’s pace on the counterattack threatened to cause Suwon problems and the visitors had the opportunity to take the lead in the opening 45 minutes as the Bluewings struggled with their opponents’ pace and movement.
Chen Jie forced a reflex save out of Jung Sung-ryong as early as the 12th minute while two minutes later Yu Hai’s left-foot drive from the corner of the penalty area seared across the face of Suwon’s goal.
Suwon, missing high profile pre-season signing Jong Tae-se due to injury, were struggling to make an impression, save for Cho Dong-geon’s long range attempt at goal in the 19th minute that was well over Zhang Lie’s goal.
Two minutes later Zlatan Muslimovic threatened the home defence with a rapid break only for his right-footed effort to go straight at Jung.
Suwon were more composed in the second half but were mainly restricted to long-range attempts as Stevica Ristikj and Cho Ji-hoon both tried their luck from distance, only for goalkeeper Zhang Lie to collect.
Substitute Rodrigo Pimpao also had an attempt at goal from outside the area but the former Cerezo Osaka forward was also denied by Zhang as the game edged towards a scoreless conclusion.
“We regret the result as we wanted to win three points,” said Suwon coach Seo Jung-won.
“The players did their best, but Guizhou’s defence was very strong.
“We played well, and while I am not satisfied with a point, I am not disappointed with the performance.”
Photo: WSG