Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale stunned Shanghai Shenhua with a 4-0 triumph in the AFC Champions League Elite round of 16. Despite Shenhua's 1-0 win in the opening leg, Frontale stepped up big time in the second match to turn the tie around with sizzling performances.
The match burst into life in the 24th minute when Asahi Sasaki dazzled with a curling left-footed shot that put Frontale ahead. Although Kota Takai nearly doubled the advantage at the 36th minute, his goal was ruled out due to a foul in the build-up, keeping the momentum with the Japanese side.
After halftime, the energy continued with Sasaki setting up Erison for the second goal in the 64th minute, and just three minutes later, Tatsuya Ito extended the lead with a superb strike. In stoppage time, Marcinho sealed the victory with a fourth goal, leaving Shenhua unable to mount any comeback.
Shenhua coach Leonid Slutsky remarked, "This was my first time leading a team in the AFC Champions League. We played 10 matches, and my biggest takeaway is that Chinese Super League teams lack the intensity compared to Japanese and Korean sides. Moving forward, we must use these experiences to help our players continue developing." With this loss, all clubs from the Chinese Super League are now out of the continental tournament.
This nail-biting encounter reminded fans why football is so thrilling – the perfect mix of skill, passion, and those unpredictable twists! ⚽🔥
Reference(s):
Shenhua overwhelmed by Frontale in AFC Champions League Elite last 16
cgtn.com
