A focus match in the fifth round of the AFC Champions League second-tier league saw Chinese Super League team Zhejiang FC host Singapore's Lion City Sailors at home.
Before the game, Zhejiang FC had only three points with one win and four losses, ranking last in the group. Lion City Sailors, on the other hand, had seven points with two wins, one draw, and one loss, placing them second. In their first-round encounter, Zhejiang FC lost 0:2 to Lion City Sailors away from home. For Zhejiang FC, this game was crucial as only a victory could keep their hopes of qualifying alive; a loss would mean saying goodbye to the AFC Champions League second-tier league.
For this match, Zhejiang FC, stationed at the Huanglong Stadium in Hangzhou, lined up in a 4-2 formation. The goalkeeper was Zhao Bo, with the four defenders from left to right being Sun Guowen, Lucas Pozinolo, Wang ?, and Wang Dongsheng. The four midfielders were Gu Bin, Wu Wei, Cheng Jin, and Li Tixiang, with the double forwards being Gao Di and Evra. Substitutes such as Frank, Sun Zheng'ao, Wang Yudong, Liang Nuoheng, and Ousmane were waiting on the bench.
After 90 minutes of fierce competition, Zhejiang FC, trailing 0:2, did not give up. They showed a do-or-die attitude, launching a massive offensive at home and fighting tenaciously until the end. They scored four consecutive goals to achieve a thrilling 4:2 comeback victory over Lion City Sailors at home. This victory demonstrated the team's spirit, showcased their style, maintained the reputation of the Chinese Super League, and also kept their hopes of qualification alive, making the group's qualification spots even more suspenseful.
Throughout the game, Zhejiang FC had a 70% possession rate, with 28 shots but only five on target. Fortunately, they capitalized on their chances well, scoring four goals. Their luck wasn't great, hitting the frame twice. Lion City Sailors had a 30% possession rate, with six shots and four on target, scoring two goals.
The game started with Zhejiang FC facing an unfavorable situation, almost conceding a goal. In the 14th minute, Wang ? made a fatal backpass error, but Anuar's shot was blocked by Zhao Bo's charge. In the 30th minute, Evra passed into the penalty area, and Gao Di followed up with a shot that hit the crossbar and bounced out, missing the chance to break the deadlock.
In the 45+4th minute, Lion City Sailors had a free-kick opportunity on the right side of the frontcourt. Maxim Lestienne crossed the ball to assist, and Dartkovic scored with a diving shot. Zhejiang FC conceded the first goal, trailing 0:1 at home.
In the 53rd minute, Wang ? made another casual backpass, which Zhao Bo had to rush out of the penalty area to defuse. Why is it you again?
In the 62nd minute, for the third time, it was still Wang ? who made a backpass error that was intercepted, allowing Jeong Ye-rin to score with a long-range world-class shot, putting Zhejiang FC down 0:2 at home. Why is it you again?
In the 65th minute, Lion City Sailors committed a handball foul in the penalty area, and the referee awarded a penalty kick. Frank took the penalty, deceiving the goalkeeper to score easily, bringing Zhejiang FC back to 1:2.
In the 69th minute, Zhejiang FC attacked, with a cross from the right side of the frontcourt. In the ensuing chaos, Sun Zheng'ao scored with a header, equalizing the score to 2:2.
In the 82nd minute, Wang Yudong made a close-range shot that hit the goalkeeper and rebounded off the post. In the 86th minute, Zhejiang FC launched a quick counterattack, with exquisite cooperation inside the penalty area. Wang Yudong assisted from the right side of the penalty area, and Evra easily pushed the ball into the net.
In the 90+4th minute, Zhejiang FC attacked in the frontcourt, with Li Tixiang making a precise diagonal pass. It was perfectly timed, and Yu Yudong dribbled into the penalty area, shooting low to the far corner to secure the victory.
Ultimately, Zhejiang FC defeated Lion City Sailors 4:2 at home, accumulating six points with two wins and three losses after five rounds, ranking third and still having a chance to qualify.
In this game, Zhejiang's head coach Jodi's substitutions proved very effective. Frank, Sun Zheng'ao, and Wang Yudong worked together to create four goals, helping the team achieve a great comeback.
In the last round of the group stage, as long as they can defeat Wannian Hongda away from home, there is a significant chance of qualifying. Of course, if Taigang lets water flow to Lion City Sailors, Zhejiang FC will not be able to qualify even if they win. All Zhejiang FC needs to do is take care of their own business, go all out to win, and display the momentum of the Chinese Super League.