Beijing Guoan cement spot in the knockout stage of the Asian Champions League

Montenegrin striker Dejan Damjanovic was on target as Beijing Guoan picked up the point required to join Guangzhou Evergrande in the knockout rounds of the AFC Champions League last night with a 1-1 draw against Suwon Bluewings.

Damjanovic, whose goals steered FC Seoul to the final in 2013 before his move to the Chinese Super League at the start of last year, netted 25 minutes into the game to give Beijing the ideal start to a game they had to avoid losing if they wantedto advance.

Leo Itaperuna levelled just two minutes later and the draw ensured both teams advanced, with Beijing topping group G thanks to a better head-to-head record against the Koreans.

Finishing as winners of the group means Beijing will have the advantage of playing the second leg of their last-16 meeting at Workers’ Stadium.

“We are delighted to progress to the knockout stage,” said Guoan’s Spanish coach Gregorio Manzano. “We can play better but getting to the last 16 of the AFC Champions League, especially by finishing first in the group, means that we have achieved the first step of our goal.

“It is important that our injured players return by the time the games are played and we will prepare as well as we can. It is not only good news for Beijing but good for Chinese football as a whole to have as many teams as possible in the latter stages.”

Guangzhou were already assured of their place in the last 16 and finished on top of group H despite losing 2-0 to reigning champions Western Sydney Wanderers at Tianhe Stadium.