Evergrande kept in the dark on ACL opponents
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail Shanghai Daily, December 11, 2013
|
|
|
Guangzhou Evergrande was drawn into Group G with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and two unknown teams. |
China's Guangzhou Evergrande were kept guessing over the group opponents for their AFC Champions League title defense when they were drawn with two unknown teams yesterday.
Marcello Lippi's team was matched with 2006 champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, the eventual winners of Japan's Emperor's Cup and the survivors of a play-off series involving Australia's Melbourne Victory in Group G.
The draw leaves coach Lippi, who is leading his team at the Club World Cup in Morocco this week, waiting to see if Guangzhou faces a "group of death," a stroll to the knock-outs or something in between.
Guangzhou will defend its first Asian title without talismanic midfielder Dario Conca, who is leaving the club in order to return to Brazil's Fluminense.
Australia's Western Sydney Wanderers, making their debut just a year after being formed, were bracketed with China's Guizhou Renhe, Japan's Yokohama Marinos and 2012 winners Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea in Group H.
J-League winners Sanfrecce Hiroshima were pitted against this year's AFC runners-up FC Seoul and Australian champions Central Coast Mariners in Group F.
Thailand's Buriram United will look to build on its run to this year's quarterfinals when they take on former champions Pohang Steelers, China's Shandong Luneng and Kawasaki Frontale in Group E.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)