Evergrande and Antlers draw 0-0 in ACL quarter-final first leg

Two-time champions Guangzhou Evergrande were unable to capitalize on their home advantage against defending champions the Kashima Antlers in the first leg of the AFC Champions league quarterfinals as the two sides fought to a goalless draw in Guangzhou on Wednesday.

Neither team could find a way to break through the other's defense and the decisive second leg next month will see who can book a spot in the semifinals.

Guangzhou Evergrande captain Zheng Zhi (Center) controls the ball during the Asian Champions League quarter-final first leg game against the Kashima Antlers in Guangzhou on Aug 28, 2019. [Photo: IC]

Brazilian forward Leo Silva nearly opened the scoring for the visiting team seven minutes after the kick-off, only to see his powerful shot go wide of the left post. Five minutes later, Paulinho missed the chance to score as he hit Yang Liyu's cross over the bar. In the 23rd minute, Serginho flashed his attempt across goal having been set free in the box.

Wei Shihao's solo ended in Kwoun Sun-Tae's gloves on the half-hour mark. Kashima's keeper continued to impress as he denied Anderson Talisca's free-kick attempt just before the half-time break.

Due to the high temperature and humidity, the second half saw the two sides gradually become exhausted and offer much more space in their own territory.

Kashima nearly broke the deadlock in the 57th minute when Shoma Doi's curling cross found the head of Ryohei Shirasaki, only for his attempt to clear the crossbar.

The away side missed the final opportunity to win two minutes from injury time when Shirasaki hit the crossbar from a distance.