China's Shanghai Shenhua beat Japan's Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 at home in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite on Wednesday.
Just five minutes into the game, Kawasaki Frontale's striker Marcio was sent off straight red by the referee for pedaling Amadou, which means he will miss the next game against China's Shanghai Port.
In the 24th minute, Wang Haijian rushed through the penalty arc and gave a shot on the edge of the penalty area. The ball bounced off the defender into the net, and Shanghai Shenhua led 1-0 in the first half.
In the next hour, Shanghai Shenhua squandered many brilliant chances.
In the 59th minute, Asahi Sasaki blasted out a long shot outside the penalty arc. However, Shenhua keeper Bao Yaxiong touched the ball which then hit the post and popped out.
In injury time, Shenhua's Andre Luis was brought down in the box and earned a penalty. He scored from the spot to seal the win.