In an intense AFC Champions League Elite round of 16 clash, Yokohama F. Marinos edged out Shanghai Port with a narrow 1-0 lead, courtesy of Anderson Lopes' clinical first-leg strike. The Brazilian forward showcased his prowess in the 30th minute, capitalizing on a well-executed play that exposed Shanghai's left flank. Lopes came close to a hat-trick before halftime, but Shanghai's goalkeeper Yan Junling made two crucial saves to keep them in the game.
Despite Shanghai Port's efforts to retaliate, their attacks were thwarted multiple times. Substitute Li Shuai nearly gave the hosts a lifeline by rattling the crossbar in the 69th minute, while Elber's glancing header in the 85th minute narrowly missed the mark thanks to a well-positioned Marinos keeper, Park Il-gyu.
The victory sets up a thrilling return leg, with Shanghai Port still in contention to overturn the deficit. Meanwhile, in another key matchup, Al Ahli dominated Qatar's Al Rayyan with a 3-1 home win. Galeno and Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring, and Firas Al Brikan sealed the deal with a late goal, giving the Saudis a two-goal advantage heading into the next round in Jeddah.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
