The AFC Champions League Elite group stages began last week and two of China’s representatives got off to winning starts.
2015 was the last time a Chinese team lifted the top Asian continental trophy; when Guangzhou Evergrande earned their second AFC Champions League title with a 1–0 aggregate score over UAE club Al-Ahli.
They became just the second team to succeed continentally, with Liaoning winning the Asian Club Championship back in 1990 as they overcame Nissan Yokohama 3–2 on aggregate.
Only one club, Shandong Taishan, reached the knockout stages of the competition last season but this year’s new structure could see more teams represent the Middle Kingdom in the next phase if opening results are anything to go by.
Shanghai Port 2–2 Johor Darul Ta’zim
Reigning Chinese Super League champions and current league leaders, who look set to reclaim their title, Shanghai Port could have had a better start to the group stages.
The red half of Shanghai were shocked with a 2–2 draw against Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Johor has claimed ten consecutive domestic titles in Malaysia along with multiple cup wins along the way, but has had little continental success outside of their 2015 AFC Cup (now named AFC Champions League Two) victory.
Port, meanwhile, have reached the quarters on three occasions, reaching the semis back in 2017, and with a strong squad that is close to claiming back-to-back CSL titles they will be hoping to get close on the continent once again.
Shandong Taishan 3–1 Central Coast Mariners
Shandong have had a difficult season in the Chinese Super League, with some surprising losses that have them sitting just fifth after being runners-up in both the league and Chinese FA Cup in 2023.
This year, Shandong look to be prioritising other competitions, with another CFA Cup final to contest along with the hopes of reaching the knockout stages in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Their hopes of achieving this received a significant boost with their opening group stage victory over a tough Central Coast Mariners side.
The Mariners are the reigning Australian champions and also claimed the AFC Cup last season in Mark Jackson’s first season in charge. Potentially one of the tougher opponents in the East Division, Shandong walked away with a convincing 3–1 win.
If they can perform to a similar standard against other opponents in their half of the competition, including against their domestic rivals, Shandong could be heading towards some success on the continent while not living up to expectations in the league.
Shanghai Shenhua 4–1 Pohang Steelers
The blue half of Shanghai also had a dominant victory to open their AFC Champions League Elite campaign, with a 4–1 win over South Korean side Pohang Steelers.
The Steelers are arguably one of the more difficult opponents for the Chinese clubs, yet Shenhua dominated after initially going 1–0 down courtesy of a Jorge Luiz goal in the 53rd minute.
André Luis, Cephas Malele (twice) and Gao Tianyi all scored within a 20-minute period that saw Shenhua take complete control of the game and ensure they left with all three points.
Avoiding conceding in the first instance will help Shenhua in this competition, with their challenge for the title effectively out of their hands with city rivals Shanghai Port two points ahead at the top of the table.
A chance to stake a claim at continental silverware will undoubtedly be a huge incentive for the team, who have a chance to reach the latter stages of the competition if they can put in more performances at this level.
It’s been a positive start for Chinese clubs in this competition, and the foundation has been laid for potential success if they can match their early performances.