With Shenhua losing 1-3 to Johor, the fourth round of the AFC Champions League concludes: all three Chinese Super League giants are in the elimination zone, with Shanghai Port at the bottom.

On November 6th Beijing time, the fourth round of the AFC Champions League started. In a recently concluded crucial battle, Shenhua traveled to face Johor Darul Ta'zim. Because of the difference in strength, Shenhua was heavily defeated 1-3. Consequently, the updated standings show all three Chinese Super League teams in the elimination zone, with Shanghai Port awkwardly at the bottom. The Chinese Super League’s quality is truly disappointing!

In the match between Shenhua and Johor Darul Ta'zim, Shenhua ranks just behind Shanghai Port in the Chinese Super League by one point, with slim hopes of winning the championship. Therefore, Shenhua fielded their full-strength lineup at home, striving hard to secure a good position in the AFC Champions League. Currently, Shenhua ranks near the bottom in the AFC competition and is under great pressure. This round, they face Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta'zim, a team with many strong foreign players. Shenhua will face tremendous difficulties playing away!

After the match began, the home team Johor Darul Ta'zim controlled the pace in the first half, continuously creating dangerous chances and putting Shenhua’s defense under great pressure. At the 22nd minute, Johor scored a goal that was disallowed, and Shenhua’s goalkeeper kept a clean sheet. However, in the second half, Johor’s attacks did not relent, and Shenhua couldn’t hold on. At the 48th minute, Honasan, positioned at the penalty spot, received a pass and scored to break the deadlock. Four minutes later, Shenhua threatened from a free kick, but Luis’s goal was disallowed, missing a chance to equalize. After scoring, Johor’s momentum surged. At the 63rd minute, Shenhua’s goal was breached again: Afik delivered a long pass through Shenhua’s defense to the top of the arc, where Alibas controlled precisely and fired a surprise shot to extend the lead. Four minutes later, Shenhua earned a penalty, and Minero scored confidently to pull one back. At the 88th minute, Johor scored again to kill the game with excellent team play, breaking through Shenhua’s defense repeatedly; Aiman assisted Honasan to complete his brace. In stoppage time at the 95th minute, Minero scored again for Shenhua, but the goal was inexplicably disallowed. Ultimately, Shenhua lost 1-3 to Johor Darul Ta'zim!

From this match, Shenhua’s defeat was expected due to the significant gap in strength. In the latest standings, Johor Darul Ta'zim's victory propelled them to second place, while all three Chinese Super League teams remain in the elimination zone, occupying the bottom three spots. The Chinese Super League champions Shanghai Port are at the very bottom, which is truly frustrating!

Written by / Sports Novel