Hulk hits late penalty to earn SIPG crucial win
- by Xiang Bin
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E-mail China.org.cn, November 23, 2020
A late penalty from second-half substitute Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, known as Hulk, earned Shanghai SIPG a 2-1 win over two-time champion Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in Doha on Sunday. The win allows the Chinese Super League side to maintain a perfect start to the 2020 AFC Champions League.
It was the Chinese side's second straight win in the competition following an identical victory over Sydney FC in Group H, while Jeonbuk suffered their second loss in three matches and are faced with an uphill battle for survival.
A bright start from both sides at Khalifa International Stadium saw end to end action and several half chances created inside the opening 10 minutes, most notably Gustavo's header for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors which was saved by the goalkeeper.
The first goal of the evening arrived in the 11th minute from Shanghai SIPG. A long kick from goalkeeper Chen Wei made its way over the Jeonbuk defenders finding Lyu Wenjun clear on goal. The forward kept his composure to control and apply an accurate finish into the bottom corner.
Shanghai SIPG's lead didn't last long as Brazilian Gustavo struck on his competition debut in the 24th minute following an excellent move down the right flank followed by a defense-splitting cross from Kim Bo-Kyung.
Shanghai SIPG made a double substitution at half-time, bringing on midfield duo Oscar and Aaron Mooy. The latter looked to make an immediate impact after receiving Chen Binbin's pass inside the box and firing towards the goal only to be denied by the fist of goalkeeper Song Bum-keun 50 seconds after the restart.
Shanghai SIPG looked to take the lead again in the 56th minute when a string of quick passes around the box saw Yang Shiyuan cross for Mooy who chested it down and hit on the half-volley, but watched his attempt ricochet off the outside of the post.
With just eight minutes left on the clock, Oscar broke free from a counter attack and as he made his way towards the goal, left Hong no option but to bring him down inside the box, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Substitute Hulk stepped up and smashed from the penalty box to hand Shanghai SIPG a second consecutive 2-1 win.
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