Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Jinan: Shandong Luneng coach Cuca bemoaned two minutes of madness following the half-time break that saw his side’s lead over visitors Cerezo Osaka collapse to a 2-1 defeat and with it elimination from the AFC Champions League.
The Chinese Super League side had taken the lead after 18 minutes with a penalty converted by Vagner Love in the Group F tie at Jinan Olympic Sports Centre.
But their J.League visitors netted twice in the opening two minutes following the re-start through first Yoichiro Kakitani and then Diego Forlan to secure their place as group runners-up.
“We had extremely bad moments at the beginning of the second half, I’m still not sure how we lost two goals in two minutes,” said coach Cuca.
“In those two minutes we had more defenders than their attacking players, but ours were not in the right position and didn't show the advantage of outnumbering them.”
The defeat sees Cuca’s side finish at the bottom of Group F on five points with, Thailand’s Buriram United a point ahead in third after their 0-0 away draw against group winners Pohang Steelers.
“I am as disappointed as our fans now. We were eliminated from the tournament at home and we only gained one point from the three home games,” added Cuca.
“Our minimum goal was to at least qualify from the group, but instead we have to face the reality that we are out of the AFC Champions League and must now focus on the Chinese Super League where our aim is to win the title.”
With 2009 winners Pohang having already won Group F, Cerezo will face defending champions Guangzhou Evergrande in next month’s Round of 16.
“I am very proud of our players today, we played a great game and scored two goals - I am so happy,” said Cerezo assistant coach Vladica Grujic.
“I told my players to stay calm during half-time. Stay calm, don't panic. Our players scored two goals in such a short period to come from behind, they did a great job.”