Tianjin Quanjian pulled off a huge shock in the AFC Champions League, knocking out seven-time Chinese Champions, and two-time Asian Champions Guangzhou Evergrande on away goals in a 2-2 thriller at the Tianhe Stadium.
After a goalless first leg last 16 clash in Tianjin, Guangzhou twice took the lead on home turf, both goals coming from Brazilian Ricardo Goulart. But both times they were met with almost instant replies, with equalizers from Brazilian Pato (pictured above), and then Wang Jie.
Tianjin's Anthony Modeste put the ball in the net on 55 minutes, which would have put them 3-2 up and leave Guangzhou needing two goals, but was flagged offside in a very close call. However, it was not to matter as Tianjin held on for the draw, claiming a famous Champions League scalp.
The result was made all the more interesting as Guangzhou's Fabio Cannavaro was dumped out by the team he built, having quit Tianjin to return as Evergrande boss at the end of last season.
It is also the second consecutive season Guangzhou have been knocked out of the Champions League by Chinese opponents, after Shanghai SIPG beat them in an epic AFC Champions League quarter-final last September. (That despite Guangzhou deliberately causing a car crash in front of the SIPG team bus on the way to the game).
The result also means Guangzhou only have the Chinese Super League to chase, having been knocked out of the Chinese FA Cup by Guizhou Zhicheng. They currently lie in fifth place, and two points behind leaders Shanghai SIPG, one third of the way through the season.
Tianjin, meanwhile, will wait with expectation to see who they draw in the Champions League quarter-final.
Watch the video below (VPN off).
[Image via Tencent Sport]
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