Shanghai: Defender Wang Shenchao admitted that Shanghai SIPG now face a tough challenge to overcome two-time AFC Champions League winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors after they could only draw the first leg of their Round of 16 clash at Shanghai Stadium.
The Chinese Super League champions could not have asked for a worse start in their tie with Continental heavyweights Jeonbuk, conceding in the opening minute after Moon Seon-min's clever finish.
However, the hosts responded with Wang heading home Yu Hai's cross six minutes before half-time. Chances came and went after the interval but a 1-1 draw was to be the final scoreline. A result that Wang feels, while fair, does put his side in a difficult position going into the second leg on Wednesday.
"Jeonbuk played a very direct attacking style and at the beginning our defenders struggled with their play," admitted the 30-year-old. "They had two early opportunities that were virtually identical. They scored one and almost scored another.
"After that we adjusted and fixed the problem and managed to even the score in the first half. It’s a shame, though, that we couldn't go on to win the game in our home stadium.
"In the second leg the scores will be level, but they have one away goal so we will definitely face a very tough task in Jeonju. We will do our best to be prepared for that challenge."
Round of 16 - 1st Leg: Shanghai SIPG FC v Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC
The first leg draw in Shanghai does echo the last time these two sides met in the Knockout Stage. In 2016, Shanghai SIPG were debutants and after eliminating Japan's FC Tokyo in the Round of 16 faced Jeonbuk in the quarter-finals.
A goalless draw at Shanghai Stadium was the result of the first meeting, before the Koreans, eventual champions that year, turned on the style in the return leg in Jeonju with a 5-0 victory.
However, Wang is adamant that the events of 2016 have no bearing on this year's matches.
"Our previous meeting happened several years ago" he said. "The two teams are not the same anymore with many changes in personnel.
"It was virtually two brand new teams today. Their foreign players didn’t play and we also had changes and adjustments in our line-up. It was mainly about how we executed the coach’s plan on the field.
"Overall, we did a good job but it's a shame that we missed opportunities. Ahead of next week, we will rest up, make any neccessary adjustments and prepare well for the second leg."
Source: the-afc.com