Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dubai: Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande took a huge step towards winning a second AFC Champions League title in three years after claiming a goalless draw in Saturday’s final first leg against Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates.
Guangzhou captain Zheng Zhi and substitute Yu Hanchao were both denied by Al Ahli goalkeeper Ahmed Mahmoud at Rashid Stadium, while midfielder Huang Bowen struck the underside of the crossbar at the start of the second half for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s 2013 winners.
Chinese champions must step up for second leg says Scolari
Stronger second-half showing gives Olaroiu optimism
Visiting goalkeeper Zeng Cheng also had to be on his toes to deny lively Al Ahli midfielder Ismail Al Hammadi in the first half, but with neither side able to find a breakthrough as the home side finished with 10 men following the late red card for Abdulaziz Haikal, five-time Chinese champions Guangzhou will host the decisive second leg in two weeks eyeing a second continental title.
As expected Mei Fang replaced the suspended Kim Young-gwon in the centre of the Guangzhou defence in the only change for the visitors, while Al Ahli coach Cosmin Olaroiu kept faith with the same side which beat Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal 3-2 in last month’s thrilling semi-final second leg at Rashid Stadium.
And following a cagey opening which was edged in terms of attacking intent by the visitors, it was Guangzhou who created the first chance after 18 minutes as Brazilian midfielder Paulinho dragged a scuffed effort from the edge of the penalty area just wide of the post.
But then only a smart one-handed tip over the crossbar from Al Ahli goalkeeper Mahmoud stopped Guangzhou taking the lead after 25 minutes as Zheng Zhi’s expertly controlled dipping volley from just outside the area looked destined for the top corner until the home custodian intervened.
Al Ahli, though, came into the contest as the half progressed and Guangzhou goalkeeper Zeng was at full stretch 12 minutes before half-time to turn Al Hammadi’s vicious shot from the edge of the edge of the area around the post following a solo run from the midfielder.
Guangzhou coach Scolari withdrew midfielder Zheng Long at half-time with striker Gao Lin joining Elkeson in attack, and Ricardo Goulart dropping further back into a deeper position.
But it was Huang who threatened for the visitors at the start of the second half as the midfielder struck the underside of the crossbar barely 40 seconds after the restart, but with Al Ahli goalkeeper Mahmoud beaten, the ball bounced away to safety.
Scolari, though, was forced into a second change just before the hour mark with Goulart unable to continue due to injury, with the Brazilian replaced by Yu.
And it was substitute Yu who came close to breaking the deadlock with 21 minutes remaining only for Mahmoud to beat away the snap-shot from inside the area.
Guangzhou were forced into another change a minute later as Li Xuepeng failed to run off a knock and was replaced by Zou Zheng, shortly before Olaroiu swapped Abdelaziz Sanqour for Walid Abbas at left-back.
Al Ahli had struggled for ideas in the final third for the majority of the contest against a well-organised and disciplined Guangzhou defence, but goalkeeper Zeng still needed to be alert with just over 10 minutes remaining to beat away Everton Ribeiro’s shot which rocketed through a crowded penalty area.
But Al Ahli eventually finished the contest with 10 men as full-back Haikal was sent-off after clashing with Gao in an off the ball incident.
Photo: WSG