File photo of Zhang Linpeng.

Defender Zhang Linpeng pinpointed Guangzhou Evergrande's "AFC Champions League experience" as the key to achieving their second continental title in three years after the Chinese champions defeated Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates 1-0 on aggregate following victory in Saturday's second leg. China international Zhang was in the starting line-up two years ago as Marcello Lippi's Guangzhou went on to lift the 2013 title after an away goals victory over Korea Republic's FC Seoul.

And Zhang and his team-mates repeated that success under another FIFA World Cup-winning coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, at Tianhe Sport Centre Stadium after Brazilian striker Elkeson scored the tie's only goal nine minutes into the second half.

"We have a lot of AFC Champions League experience, so when we came under a lot of pressure, we were able to make a quick adjustment and nullify any problems," said the 26-year-old, who joined Guangzhou in 2010.

"The coaching staff and the players are one big team, we're one big unit, and this collective spirit is a big advantage for us – especially when we are confronted with obstacles.

"In the second half, we were able to put together some very nice attacking plays and that helped us to win this title."

Zhang and several other Guangzhou players started for Alain Perrin's China that suffered a blow to their 2018 FIFA World Cup hopes after a goalless draw with Hong Kong in Tuesday night's joint 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifier.

But having seen off Korea Republic's Seongnam FC, Japanese sides Kashiwa Reysol and Gamba Osaka en route to defeating Al Ahli in an AFC Champions League final, Guangzhou can now look forward to their meeting with CONCACAF Champions League winners Club America of Mexico onDecember 13 in the FIFA World Club Cup.

"The Hong Kong game is already in the past. If every single Chinese footballer works together then I'm confident that it can get better," added Zhang.

"Now we are looking forward to some time to celebrate, to rest and spend with our families before getting ready for the challenge of the FIFA World Club Cup."

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