Rare loss won't rattle SIPG

Despite watching his side lose for the first time this year on Wednesday, Shanghai SIPG coach Vitor Pereira is upbeat about his club's chances ahead of a blockbuster clash with Japan's Kashima Antlers in the knockout phase of the Asian Champions League.

A weakened SIPG lost 2-1 to Melbourne Victory in its final Group F game but the result was academic since the Chinese Super League leader had already secured top spot to set up a last-16 meeting with the eight-time J-League champion.

The loss was SIPG's first of 2018 after six straight league wins plus three wins and two draws in the Asian Champions League, but it failed to diminish Pereira's faith in his squad.