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Guangzhou Evergrande into last 16 after goalless draw with FC Seoul

Xinhua, April 21, 2015 Adjust font size:

The 2013 champions Guangzhou Evergrande secured a place in the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League after a goalless draw with FC Seoul in Group H on Tuesday.

Guangzhou sealed the first place of the group with 10 points, while FC Seoul, Kashima Antlers and Western Sydney Wanderers will battle for another spot of the knockout stage.

At Seoul World Cup Stadium, both teams gave everything but could not find a way through in a replay of the 2013 tournament finale.

Guangzhou made the early impact as Brazilian striker Elkesen smash a powerful shot into Seoul's side-net in the sixth minute.

The home team nearly took the lead three minutes later when Lee Sanghyeob sent a free-kick into the box, only to see Kim Hyunsung's header narrowly go off the right post.

Seoul missed a chance again as Spanish midfielder Osmar headed over the ball just before the halftime whistle.

The second half saw both teams make intense chances. Kim Jinkyu's Curly effort tested Guangzhou's keeper Zeng Cheng, who just recovered from a injury.

Zhang Linpeng glanced a header just over the bar after Zheng Zhi drove a free-kick from the right side.

The tournament's top scorer Goulart nearly added another to his collection in the 72nd minute as the Brazilian's heel attempted past keeper but was cleared by Ko Kwangmin just inches from the goal-line. Endi