A string of clean sheets couldn't prevent Shanghai Port from exiting the AFC Champions League, as several new signings completed their practical tests.

Reporter Cheng Shan reporting. On the evening of February 11th Beijing time, the 7th round of the 2025-2026 AFC Champions League Elite East Asia Zone took place, with Shanghai Port visiting South Korea's Gangwon FC. This was Port’s first official match of the 2026 season and a key opportunity to assess their winter training progress. Due to severe injury problems, coach Muscat deployed a fresh squad dominated by new signings and youth players, ending in a goalless draw. Although Shanghai Port kept clean sheets in two consecutive rounds, they were eliminated from the knockout stage a round early, extending their winless streak in the AFC to 12 matches.

As the runner-up in the 2024 K1 League, Gangwon FC qualified for the AFC Champions League Elite for the first time in their history. In the previous six rounds of the AFC Elite League, Port had only managed two draws and four losses, accumulating 2 points and sitting at the bottom of their group. Including last season’s AFC matches, the team had gone 11 games without a win before this match, with their poor away form becoming more apparent under intense competition.

The team faced even greater challenges in terms of squad availability: before the match, Port was hit hard by injuries. Forward foreign player Leonardo was sidelined due to injury and did not travel with the team; key defenders Jiang Guangtai, Wei Zhen, Wang Shenchao, and Fu Huan all missed the game due to various injuries; Zhang Linpeng was suspended. Wu Lei was still recovering and also did not travel for the away match. During the winter transfer window, the squad underwent changes with players like Rúsa, Li Ang, Alexis Zú, and He Guan departing, while Jean Claude, Yang Xi, An Yongjia, Lu Yongtao, Zhang Yuan, and Yue Xin joined. Yang Xi was left out of the matchday squad due to limited training time together.

Faced with a severely depleted roster, Muscat made significant adjustments by fielding an entirely new starting lineup to test the effects of winter training. Claude, Lu Yongtao, and An Yongjia started the match. Due to defensive shortages, newcomer Claude was temporarily moved back to center-back. Up front, An Yongjia played as the central striker, with Liu Zhuren and Feng Jin on the wings, Melendo as attacking midfielder, and Vital paired with Lu Yongtao as double defensive midfielders. This lineup mainly featured new signings and young players, with several making their AFC Champions League starting debuts. Liu Zhuren notably returned to Port’s starting eleven after a long absence.

After kickoff, both teams battled under cold temperatures and a relatively firm pitch. In the 6th minute, An Yongjia flicked a header, and Liu Zhuren fired a right-footed shot from near the edge of the box, but the ball flew over the crossbar. At the 21st minute, An Yongjia delivered a brilliant through ball, and Feng Jin cut inside on the right side of the box, but his low shot narrowly missed. Neither side managed a shot on target in the first half, resulting in a tight, scoreless 0-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Gangwon FC increased their attacking intensity, buoyed by home advantage. At the 56th minute, a right-side combination led to a low shot that went wide. At the 63rd minute, Muscat made substitutions, bringing on Gabriel and Meng Jingchao to try to boost the offense. Gangwon FC kept pressing in the latter half of the second half. At the 84th minute, Port made further changes, with Zhang Yuan and Kuai Jiwen coming on as substitutes. During stoppage time, a corner kick from the opponents caused chaos in Port’s box, but Jiang Runqiu’s long-range shot was spectacularly saved by Yan Junling. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.

In this match, several of Port’s new signings were tested in unfamiliar positions and a new system. Claude, temporarily converted to center-back, showed a proactive defensive attitude and cleared multiple threats, partially covering for the defensive absences. Starting striker An Yongjia demonstrated a useful hold-up play role, twice setting up teammates for shots. Lu Yongtao was active as a double pivot, carrying out numerous midfield interceptions. Liu Zhuren was lively in attack, displaying good form throughout the match.

After this match, Shanghai Port’s record in this season’s AFC Champions League Elite stands at 3 draws and 4 losses, with 3 points, remaining at the bottom of their group. Due to the point gap, they have been eliminated from the knockout stage one round early. Meanwhile, several of the club’s winless streaks in the AFC continue.

Post-match, head coach Muscat expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance: “Our situation in the AFC Champions League is tough at the moment, but even so, the team has shown a good attitude and commitment. Through this game, we have set a standard for the new season, and we will approach upcoming matches with this mindset. Although conditions were limited in this match, both teams gave their all to play well.”

“We employed a high press in the front line, which leaves space behind us vulnerable if the opponent launches counterattacks,” Muscat commented on the defensive pressure experienced on the right flank. “Overall, the team’s defense was quite solid. At the same time, we created several good chances going forward. Our focus now will be on improving the quality of our attack.”