Jeonbuk, Shanghai SIPG into AFC Champions League quarter-finals
Leonardo stars again for South Koreans, while Wu Lei’s stoppage time winner sees Chinese debutants advance on away goals rule
Leonardo scored twice as 2006 winner Jeonbuk Motors secured the first spot in the Asian Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory, and Wu Lei’s stoppage-time winner against FC Tokyo helped Shanghai SIPG sneak into the last eight on the away goals rule.
Trailing 2-1 from the first leg, Shanghai SIPG were the dominant side for much of the tie, but could not find a way through to break the resistance of FC Tokyo goalkeeper Yota Akimoto and his backline.
Watch highlights of the Shanghai SIPG v FC Tokyo
The visitors, Tokyo FC, were on the verge of advancing with the score locked at 0-0 at Shanghai Stadium until added time, when unmarked Wu swooped on Elkeson’s blocked shot and fired in from close range to give SIPG a 1-0 win and 2-2 draw on aggregate – securing the quarter-final spot courtesy of the away goal that Wu scored last week.
The 24-year-old was in the right place at the right time to fire home, send the debutants into the next round of the competition and the home fans into ecstasy in the stands.
In the other game in Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Jeonbuk advanced 3-2 on aggregate, defending frantically as Melbourne pushed for a late equaliser and another away goal that would have given the Australian club a spot in the quarter-finals.
