Lippi eyes triple after Champions League thriller
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E-mail Xinhua, September 25, 2013
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Lippi's Evergrande is aiming to become the first Chinese team to win the Asian Champions League title since the tournament was launched in 2003. |
Marcello Lippi was satisfied, but his ambition has never been fulfilled.
Guangzhou Evergrande was on the verge of AFC Champions League final as the Chinese champions came from behind to demolish Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol 4-1 at the first leg of AFC Champions league semifinals.
Guangzhou was no doubt the most favorite side after the big victory and Lippi has already set his eyes on three titles - Champions League, Chinese Super League, as well as the CFA Cup.
"We must focus on this season, to make every possible title reality," Lippi said.
Lippi's side was actually in danger until Brazilian forward Muriqui scored the equalizer for Guangzhou in the beginning of the second half, only to see Dario Conca put the visiting team in front and Elkeson add another to clinch the victory. Muriqui scored twice at the stoppage time to take his tally in the competition to 11 goals.
Cleo, who is ironically on loan from Guangzhou, was credited with giving Kashiwa the lead after just nine minutes following a free kick by Jorge Wagner.
"We were unlucky to concede a goal early in the first half, but we played a prefect second half. Four goals in 45 minutes, we deserved the victory," Lippi said after the match.
The Japanese side dominated the first half, when they squandered several chances beside the goal but still kept their noses in front after the half-time whistle. Lippi made a substitute Zhao Xuri for Feng Xiaoting at the beginning of the second half to deepen their midfield, only to see Muriqui fire the ball to the back of net to make the equalizer in the 58th minute. Dario Conca curled the ball into the net to move the Chinese champions ahead after 66 minutes.
"It is not the substitution but the effort from the whole team that finally turned over the match," the 64-year-old Italian said.
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