It was heartbreak for Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium, as Hao Junmin’s late equaliser saw Shandon Luneng earn a 2-2 draw and advance to the quarter finals.
The Sky Blues put in a mammoth performance in front of 9541 spectators, controlling the tempo of the match as well as creating the better chances throughout.
Brandon O’Neill opened the scoring after two minutes, before Walter Mantillo equalised for the visitors. Rhyan Grant was the match-winner in the second half, volleying home truly from an impropable angle on the right flank.
With 15 minutes remaining, Vedran Janjetovic saved Diego Tardelli’s penalty while Zac Anderson was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The hosts could not hold on, as Junmin let fly from 25 yards with stoppage time approaching to salvage a result for the Chinese Super League outfit.
Here’s how the hosts’ players fared in the 2-2 draw.
Sydney FC
Vedran Janjetovic – 8.5: Mixed bag. Made himself big to deny Tardelli in the first, and bettered that with a save from Jucilei’s header in the 53rd minute. Arguably the most impressive player over both legs with another penalty save, despite his mistake leading to that incident and Anderson’s subsequent red card.
Rhyan Grant – 8.5: Scored a goal fit to decide any contest and was dogged defensively despite a late Shandong onslaught.
Zac Anderson – 5.5: Initially let off the hook by his goalkeeper after picking up a straight red and conceding a penalty. Solid prior, though, but will be sore after Junmin’s late equaliser.
Matthew Jurman – 8: Has rarely put a foot wrong this calendar year despite his team’s sub-par domestic form. An asset to his team and bolstered his status as one of the best central defenders in the country.
Riley Woodcock – 7: Did his job defensively with little fuss, and bombed forward with aplomb.
Milos Dimitrijevic – 8: Great battle with Jucilei. Took control after a less impressive first period and Sydney fans will hope he can replicate this form in the 2016-17 campaign.
Brandon O’Neill – 8.5: Scored the opening goal with a well flighted free kick. Keeps going from strength to strength. Skinned by Tardelli leading to Montillo’s goal.
2' GOAL! Dream start for @SydneyFC as Brandon O'Neill gives them a very early 1-0 lead! #ACL2016 #SYDvSHD pic.twitter.com/ghg1oh1m0f
— AFC Champions League (@TheAFCCL) May 25, 2016
Milos Ninkovic – 8: Linked midfield and attack really well and provided the assist for Grant’s beautiful finish. Did a fair shift defensively, too.
David Carney – 6.5: Not as involved as he would have liked, but contributed to what was a fluent Sydney attack.
Matt Simon – 6: A nuisance. Occupied at least one central defender at all times, paving the way for team-mates to find space.
George Blackwood – 7: Good, mature shift. Gave his all playing out of position on the right flank and helped Grant defensively.
Substitutes
Shane Smeltz – 6: Could not convert his chance after coming on, but like Simon, always occupied a defender or two.
Chris Naumoff – 6: Given just over five minutes. Had one half-chance from a tight angle.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
