Shandong Luneng beat JDT 2-1 in AFC Champions League

Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng won 2-1 against Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in Group E of the 2019 AFC Champions League (ACL) on Tuesday.

Shandong Luneng beat Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) 2-1 in Group E of the 2019 AFC Champions League (ACL), April 9, 2019. [Photo: IC]

After a pair of 2-2 draws in their first two ACL fixtures, Luneng were looking for their first continental win of the season before the match, which was the first ever meeting between a Chinese and a Malaysian side in the competition.

Enjoying their home advantage, Luneng set out their stall to attack from the off, and in the 30th minute midfielder Marouane Fellaini broke the deadlock with a header from corner. Nine minutes later it was 2-0, after Italian striker Graziano Pelle converted a penalty. JDT looked to strike back and immediately had a shot at goal, but Luneng keeper Wang Dalei was equal to it.

Into the second half, Luneng pressed heavily on JDT's goal, but it was the visiting team who struck next, as Safawi Rasid's long-range effort beat Wang in the 59th minute to reduce the arrears.

The goal seemed to jolt JDT into life, and the visitors hit the bar late on through Gonzalo Cabrera's free-kick, but ultimately Luneng held firm to secure their first win of the 2019 ACL campaign.

"A draw would have been acceptable, as JDT had two powerful attempts on goal," Luneng coach Li Xiaopeng acknowledged afterwards.

JDT are still awaiting their first win in the competition, which would also be the first win for any Malaysian side in the AFC Champions League.

JDT's assistant coach Jorge Alvarez expressed satisfaction with his side's performance, adding that he hoped they would maintain this level in the coming matches.

"It is difficult for us to play against the tall players from Luneng. We know we can be competitive against any Asian team even if it is our first ACL experience," said Alvarez.

Earlier on Tuesday, Kashima Antlers defeated Gyeongnam 3-2, meaning the Japanese side top Group E with seven points. Luneng rank second with five points, and will play JDT in Malaysia in the next round of matches.