Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Guangzhou: Ricardo Goulart enjoyed a treble celebration on Saturday as the Brazilian forward added the Most Valuable Player of the Competition Presented by SDLG and the Top Goalscorer Presented by Emirates awards to AFC Champions League title after China’s Guangzhou Evergrande defeated Ah Ahli of the United Arab Emirates 1-0 at Tianhe Sport Centre Stadium.
The 24-year-old scored eight times in the continental competition this season as Goulart helped Chinese champions Guangzhou claim a second continental title in three years.
But despite having not netted since his match-winning strike against Seongnam FC of Korea Republic in the Round of 16, the frontman continued his form in a supporting role for the remainder of the tournament.
“I have to thank Guangzhou Evergrande for putting their trust in my qualities and abilities,” said Goulart.
“We have now won two trophies this year – the Chinese Super League and the AFC Champions League.”
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The Brazilian, who signed from Cruzerio at the beginning of the season, opened his AFC Champions League account in Guangzhou’s 1-0 victory over FC Seoul in their opening Group H fixture.
The forward then went on to net a hat-trick in the 3-2 away win at Western Sydney Wanderers on Matchday Two, before scoring a brace in the 4-3 home win against Kashima Antlers as the Chinese champions made it three successive victories to edge closer to the Round of 16.
Goulart then failed to register another goal in the group stage as Guangzhou progressed to the last 16 despite only picking one point from their remaining ties.
The forward, though, was back to his prolific best in the last 16 after scoring twice in the 2-0 home victory over Seongnam to ensure Guanzghou advanced to the quarter-finals following a 3-2 aggregate win after losing the first leg 2-1 in Korea.
“Every success we enjoy matters, but significance of each one grows,” added the Brazilian.
“I am very happy for myself and my family that I have managed to achieve this success.”
Goulart, though, was not on the scoresheet in the quarter-finals and semi-finals as Guangzhou defeated Kashiwa Reysol and Gamba Osaka 4-2 and 2-1 on aggregate to advance to the final.
And despite failing to add to his tally in Saturday’s final, the Brazilian’s composure on the ball ensured Goulart was the creative hub for Guangzhou’s attacking play.
Al Ahli’s Ahmed Khalil and Yang Xu of Shandong Luneng, meanwhile, finished joint second in the scoring charts after registering six goals in the AFC Champions League, while Guangzhou also won the Fair Play Award Presented by Tsingtao.
Photo: Lagardère Sports