China

Sweet revenge as Dalian downs Japan's Gamba

(AFP)
Updated: 2006-04-27 06:49

SINGAPORE - China's Dalian Shide outclassed Japan's Gamba Osaka on a waterlogged pitch to score sweet revenge and position themselves for a berth in the AFC Champions League quarter-finals.

Japan's Gamba Osaka forward Magno Alves (L) and China's Dalian Shide midfielder Zou Jie chase the ball during the first half of the Asian Champions League in Osaka, April 12. [AFP]

The Chinese outfit won 2-0 through goals by Zhou Jie and Zhang Yaokun on Wednesday to avenge a 3-0 defeat to Gamba two weeks ago.

The victory was even more satisfying for Dalian given that the J-League champions are arguably the hottest side in Asian football after a hot streak in domestic and continental competition.

Dalian were also coming off a surprise 3-2 defeat in the Chinese Super League to struggling Shenyang Ginde on Sunday.

Coach Vladimir Petrovic blamed tiredness for that setback and clearly put the wind up his players, as they came out on home turf Wednesday with a steely determination.

They went ahead after 18 minutes when Zou Jie got the faintest of touches to Hu Zhaojuns cross which eluded goalkeeper Yosuke Fujigaya.

Zhang Yaokun headed home Zoran Jankovics free kick three minutes into the second half to seal the win.

Dalian now have nine points from four games in their group and with just two matches left to play, Gamba are in danger of being eliminated after South Korea's Chonbuk Motors won 1-0 against whipping boys Da Nang.

That laboured victory against a club Gamba thrashed 15-0 earlier in the competition puts Chonbuk top of the table alongside Dalian.

If Gamba lose against Chonbuk next week, they will be dead and buried with the group going down to the wire on May 17 when Dalian and the Korean FA Cup holders meet, with a place in the last eight at stake.

Only the top team from each group will progress, along with two-time defending champions Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia which has a bye.

Chonbuk should have done better, making heavy work of Da Nang who were playing for nothing but pride.