AFC Champions League: Two Important Matches Scheduled Tomorrow in Group E

Doha, November 29 (QNA) - FC Seoul could secure qualification to the 2020 AFC Champions League Round of 16 with a win against Beijing FC in Group E should the other group game end in a draw on Monday. The previous game between the two was the first after the restart, and ended with the Chinese Super League side picking up the points with a 2-1 win courtesy of goals from Alan and Fernando, while veteran striker Park Chu-youngs penalty served only as consolation for head coach Lee Won-jun's men. FC Seoul's hopes of sealing early qualification received a blow when they were stunned 2-1 by debutants Chiangrai United on Friday, but the K League 1 side could still advance with a game to spare should they defeat the group leaders on Monday as long as Chiangrai United and Melbourne Victory draw their game later in the day. "All matches in the AFC Champions League are very important, but tomorrow especially it is very important for us," said Lee. "Last time we lost 2-1 but tomorrow we are ready to take revenge with a win. All the players have a strong desire to win and we are ready for tomorrow. After the disappointing defeat to Chiangrai United, we prepared for the next match and did not look back. We only want to focus on getting a result tomorrow. "It is a tight schedule for all the players and staff, but it is the same for all the other teams." he added. Lees counterpart Bruno Genesio led his Beijing FC side to secure qualification with a 100 percent record so far, and a point against FC Seoul would seal them the top spot in the group. "The two games are very close, we did not have a lot of time to prepare, so there was a lot of emphasis on recovery," said Genesio. On the other hand, Chiangrai United face Melbourne Victory on Matchday Five of the 2020 AFC Champions League Group E on Monday as both sides battle for the last shot at progression to the Round of 16. Both teams met back in February in the group stage opener with Melbourne Victory taking all three points thanks to a penalty converted by Swedish forward Ola Toivonen. Nine months and three games later, those three points remain their only in the competition so far. Meanwhile interim head coach Alongkorn Thongsaum's led debutants Chiangrai United to a historic first win in the AFC Champions League as Brazilian forward Bill scored twice to down FC Seoul 2-1 on Friday. The Thai side are without the services of Brazilian defender Brinner, Korean midfielder Lee Yong-rae and experienced centre-back Sarawut Inpaen, who are all suspended for accumulation of cards. "It is disappointing to miss those three players," said Thongsaum. "But the good thing is that there is a chance for other players to prove themselves at this stage. We plan game by game first, starting with this game against Melbourne Victory who are also a good team, so should we get a result tomorrow, we can then think about qualification." Melbourne Victory assistant coach Steve Kean was all about planning and analysis of the opposition ahead of the crucial make-or-break tie in a bid to reach the Round of 16 for the first time since 2016. "We prepared, we had a few good days on the training ground." said Kean. (QNA)