Shenhua is behind and can't be messed with! Netizens' comments are bright again, 4 goals in the second half, zero shots in the first half
On the evening of September 17, in the first round of the AFC Champions League, Shanghai Shenhua defeated Pohang Steelers 4-1 at home in Shanghai Stadium, making a good start in this season's AFC Champions League. This is the first time Shenhua has won a home game in the AFC Champions League in 15 years. The last time the team won a home game in the AFC Champions League was in the third round of the 2009 AFC Champions League group stage, when Shenhua defeated Suwon Samsung 2-1. One netizen commented, "I feel so emotional! The last time I saw Shenhua win an AFC Champions League match at home, I was only 16 years old. Now I am 30."
This game is also the second episode of Shenhua's "Devil's September". In the league match against Zhejiang last Friday, Shenhua reversed and defeated the opponent, but also exposed the fatigue of the national team players after continuous battles. The intensity of the AFC Champions League is higher than that of the Chinese Super League, which is a big test for Shenhua. Although the team faces the difficulty of fighting on multiple fronts, Shenhua coach Slutsky has his own stubbornness in terms of personnel rotation and preparation focus. He said before the game, "For me, the most important game is always the next one. I will use the best lineup we can currently arrange to play tomorrow's game." The Russians will obviously not give up any front easily.
In order to play well in the domestic league, Pohang Steelers did not send all the main players this time. In the first half, Pohang Steelers played with a substitute lineup. With abundant physical strength and unremitting running, they played well on both offense and defense. With Jorge Luis's goal, Pohang Steelers took a 1-0 lead. Shenhua did not put enough pressure on the opponent and even failed to complete a shot.
In the second half, Shenhua striker Malelai returned from injury, and his appearance became a turning point for Shenhua. Malelai's quick forward run and fierce steals tore through the opponent's defense, making it difficult for the defenders to resist, and also created scoring opportunities for Shenhua. In the 64th minute, with Luis's header to equalize the score, Shenhua sounded the clarion call for attack. Malelai scored twice with a difficult diving header and a penalty kick. Gao Tianyi scored another goal near the end of the game to seal the victory.
Shenhua played with a rare spirit in Chinese football in recent years against Pohang Steelers. The two teams were like two completely different teams in the first and second half, which also made the outside world say that "Shenhua, who are behind, cannot be messed with." One netizen commented, "60 minutes ago: Is this the second in the Chinese Super League? 60 minutes later: This is the second in the Chinese Super League!"
Including Slutsky and the young players in the Shenhua team, none of them have experienced the AFC Champions League, but Slutsky has experience in the Champions League. He once led the Russian Central Army team to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, creating the best record in team history.
After coaching the first AFC Champions League match, Slutsky also took the pulse, "Today's game is very important for us. When I coached CSKA in Russia, the rhythm of the Russian Premier League was somewhat different from that of the Champions League, and the team needed time to adapt. Today, our team was also a little uncomfortable with the rhythm of the game in the first 60 minutes. Fortunately, everyone quickly adjusted to the game and showed the level we should have. I hope that in the next game we can show our due level from the first minute."
During the game, Slutsky made several substitutions and achieved obvious results. After the game, he also analyzed, "In the first half, our lineup lacked pressure. During the halftime break, we adjusted the team's positioning in some defensive areas. At the same time, I asked Teixeira to go to the right and Fernando to play as the attacking midfielder. The formation changed from 4312 to 442. A series of adjustments posed a great threat to the opponent's defense. I am very happy to be able to reverse the situation and win. I hope we can play better in the next game."
A reporter asked: "Does this mean that in the future Luis, Malele, Fernando and Teixeira can play at the same time like today?" Slutsky said, "Absolutely."
Malele was named the official best player of the game. He said after the game: "This is my first game after returning from injury. We were a little passive in the first half, but as the game progressed, we gradually adapted to the rhythm of the game, regained the initiative in the game, and finally won. I am very happy to be able to continue this winning momentum from the league to the AFC Champions League. I hope we can keep it up."
Shenhua's next AFC Champions League match will be on October 1st away against Johor DT of Malaysia.
