Debutants Shanghai SIPG roars into AFC Champions League quarterfinals

Chinese forward Wu Lei scored the winning goal in injury time against Tokyo FC here on Tuesday to send Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG, the debutants of the AFC Champions League, into the quarterfinals.

Wu Lei, a key member of the national team, also scored in the first leg of the round of 16 in Tokyo where the host won 2-1. Tonight's 1-0 win tied the score 2-2 on aggregate but Shanghai SIPG advanced with the precious away goal.

Tokyo's tight defense had kept SIPG from passing or shooting frequently tonight. Both sides played all out in the physical and mental duel. SIPG's Brazilian striker Elkson, Argentine playmaker Conca, local stars Yu Hai and Wu Lei mount great pressure on Tokyo's defense line.

In the 62nd minute, Wu Lei was tackled down by a Japanese defender in the penalty area, but the referee didn't award a penalty.

Wu, 24, almost broke the deadlock in the 64th minute, but his volley was denied by Tokyo's goalkeeper Akimoto Yota.

The home team re-asserted their dominance of proceedings in short order, while the 2015 Chinese Super League runner-up was going down the drain as the clock ticked.

As the game entered the injury time, Conca shielded a space just outside the penalty box to help Elkson unleash a brilliant volley. Although the shot was denied by keeper Yota, Wu Lei appeared in the right place at the right time to score with a close-range follow shot.

"We trailed 2-1 after the first leg, but we took the opportunity and displayed a good spirit to the audience," SIPG's player Sun Xiang said after the match.

"I hope we can go further in the tournament," Sun added. Endit