Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors Targeting a Dignified AFC Champions League Exit Against Shanghai SIPG

Doha, December 04 (QNA) - Group H of the 2020 AFC Champions League (East) is unlikely to see significant changes on Matchday Six as already qualified Shanghai SIPG face eliminated Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors at Khalifa International Stadium on Friday. A 10-goal difference separates runners-up Shanghai SIPG from group leaders Yokohama F. Marinos who face bottom side Sydney FC simultaneously at Al Janoub Stadium, meaning the top spot is beyond Vitor Perreiras men unless the Australians can cruise past their opponents while SIPG do the same to hit 12 points and bridge that gap. More realistically, the Chinese Super League side will be looking forward to their Round of 16 encounter against confirmed Group G winners Vissel Kobe. "I am very pleased with my team and my players, I want to thank them first for getting the qualification without waiting for the last game. We played in a very difficult group in very difficult conditions because we played six games with no rest unlike other teams," said Perreira "Tomorrow is an opportunity for young players, and experienced players who have not had an opportunity but tomorrow we expect them to try their best to dignify the competition." "For the experienced players, it is time to show the coach and prove to themselves that they are ready. For the young players, it is an opportunity to grow up, understand what is playing in a high club in the AFC Champions League. "It will be tough, but without the responsibility, because the responsibility is mine. Their responsibility is only to do their best and this is the way to improve and grow our level." A swap of places, although only consolatory in value, is more likely between the third and fourth placed sides in the group, with Jeonbuk currently occupying third place on merit of head-to-head, having drawn with Sydney FC 2-2 back in March before beating them 1-0 last week in Doha. "The 2020 AFC Champions League is really a different edition. If you look at the circumstances, we dont have our best squad here. Players went to the national team and couldnt join us here. It is a strange situation," said Jeonbuk head coach Jose Morais. Morais might have led Jeonbuk to back-to-back K League 1 titles since his arrival in 2019, but a 2020 AFC Champions League campaign marred by injuries and absences sees the two-time continental champions eliminated at the group stage for the first time since 2012, having appeared in six editions since then, winning the title in 2016. Shanghai SIPG, meanwhile, have extended their run of reaching the knock-out stages every year since their continental debut in 2016, which includes a semi-final in 2017 and two further quarter-final appearances. (QNA)