Melbourne Victory v Suwon Bluewings: Asian Champions League Writer's Chat

Melbourne Victory v Suwon Bluewings

In partnership with K-League United, East Asian Soccer has adopted the writer’s chat format for this special feature. 

First off East Asian Soccer Editor Lew Dub fires the questions at Suwon Bluewingsexpert Scott Whitelock.

1. Most Australians don’t know much about Suwon Bluewings. Can you tell us a little bit about the club’s pedigree and the kind of support they get?

Historically, Suwon Bluewings have been one of the strongest teams in Korea. They have won the K League on 4 separate occasions and have also finished as runners up on 4 occasions. They have also previously lifted the Asian Champions League twice. Backed by one of Korea’s biggest conglomerates they have been one of the more wealthy Korean teams in years gone by, however, in recent year this funding has been pulled and Suwon Bluewings’ power appears to diminish season on season. Their last title was won in 2008 and it  might be a few more years until the next one is won.

2. What kind of football should Melbourne Victory fans be expecting on Tuesday night?

That is a very good question, and one that I would really love to answer. Their 3 games so far, this season, have seen very contrasting performances. The first 3 halves of ACL football that they played saw play with a confidence and swagger that belied the young age of the squad. The passing was smooth and quick and they dominated Gamba Osaka and Shanghai SIPG, their respective opponents. Suwon attempted to keep the ball for long periods and then hit their opponents with quick attacking bursts down the wings. It was very pleasing to watch and the game plan was superbly orchestrated by their holding midfielder Park Hyun-bom. However, the latter 3 halves of football that Suwon have played in their fledgling 2016 campaign have been anything but pleasing. The passing fluency has all but vanished and far too often promising attacks are petering out because of a lack of fire power up front.

Their last game, against Seongnam FC demonstrated everything that is wrong with Suwon’s squad this year. For large parts of the game, Suwon controlled the ball and the midfield trio of Ko Cha-won, Kwon Chang-hoon and Park Hyun-bum stroked the ball around with consummate ease. But for all Suwon’s midfield dominance, they rarely registered any sort of threat on the Seongnam goal. Infact, despite having the majority of possession it wasn’t until the 41st minute that Suwon registered a shot on target. At the other end of the pitch it was more of the same, with all 4 defenders showing a significant lack of quality and in the 2nd half Seongnam looked like they would score with every attack. The veteran centre back, Lee Jung-soo, making his debut looked considerably out of place, losing possession a number of times and showing a distinct lack of pace.

We are hoping for a more attacking performance on Tuesday and hopefully Melbourne will face a tougher challenge than Seongnam did.

3. Santos has served Suwon well for three seasons, but what can you tell us about new Brazilian import Hygor? 

Read more at our new site:

eastasiansoccer.co

SYDNEY FC AND MELBOURNE VICTORY FIGHTING FOR A-LEAGUE LIVES

The race for the Hyundai A-League finals is on in earnest. Perth Glory are now inside the top six and if current form is anything to go by the West Australians will be fighting it out in the finals. Meanwhile, both Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory’s seasons have fallen by the wayside.

With five games of the regular season remaining Sydney FC must correct an alarming run of form that has seen them collect just 3 points from the last 21 available. The form slump has been exacerbated by injuries and suspensions. Unfortunately, Alex Brosque has been ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury (only returning if the team goes deep into Finals).

Along with that, manager Graham Arnold has to navigate the Asian Champions League. [cont out our new website eastasiansoccer.co]

TEN OF THE BEST: ZHANG LINPENG

East Asian Soccer picks Ten of the Best personalities and players in the 2016 Asian Champions League.

Number 2 – Zhang Linpeng

Guangzhou Evergrande’s Zhang Linpeng burst into the consciousness of Australian football fans when he was red carded in a fiery ACL clash with Western Sydney Wanderers.

Easy to pick out with his tattooed forearms, Zhang often gets forward despite his position as fullback. He’s been the subject of much transfer speculation, but to this point the Chinese international remains the property of Guangzhou Evergrande.

Occasionally used in the centre back role, current manager Felipe Scolari has tended to utilise the 26 year old’s speed and power at fullback. Watch out for his long range shots which when on target are lethal.

Catch the full list at our new website:

http://eastasiansoccer.co

POHANG STRIKER STEELS THE LIMELIGHT

In the shadows of the big spending Chinese teams and FC Tokyo's demolition of Chonburi FC, a man called Shim, Dong-woon scored a stunning hat-trick in the Asian Champions League's final play-off fixtures.

Shim's Pohang Steelers were expected to beat Vietnamese club Hanoi T&T comfortably but were it not for the 25 year old forward, things may have been a little different. Playing on the left of a front three Shim struck first with a superb volley worthy of a Champions League fixture, on any continent.

Shim had made an unchecked run into the centre of the pitch, where he met a long ball at the edge of the box and redirected it into the back of the net. [watch the goal and highlights on this link]

Pohang's pocket rocket then went on to score in the 62nd and 84th minutes. The win put his team into Group H of the ACL alongside Guangzhou Evergrande, Urawa Reds and Sydney FC.

It's hard to imagine a tougher or more glamorous group in the Asian Champions League. The only team in Group H not to have won the ACL is A-League outfit Sydney FC.

Pohang with their three titles as Asia's number one club (most recently 2009), will battle reigning champs Guangzhou Evergrande on 24th February. The Koreans are at home for their next two matches, and though Shim, Dong-woon is not renowned for his goal-scoring, the killer instinct he showed in the ACL play-off could be enough to guide his club through a tough group.

Most are predicting a battle for second place in this Group H. An in-form forward could be all that separates 2nd from the also rans.

NO DAY TRIP FOR CHONBURI THIS YEAR

Chonburi FC of Thailand.

Reports have emerged from Chonburi FC's Asian Champions League camp that there will be no down time for the team in Japan, unlike last year.

When Chonburi got to the play-off stage last year they faced Japan's Kashiwa Reysol. Unfortunately, when players were given some down time they took full advantage, and the coaching staff forgot the team's jerseys.

Last year Chonburi took well credentialed Kashiwa to extra time despite only five players showing up to the first training session in Japan.

On the shirt-front, it has been reported that the Sharks had to have new jerseys made up on the day of the game after coaching staff failed to pack the kit for the trip. In 2016 the management have wisely outlawed day trips.

http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/news/2016/02/07/kiji/K20160207011994340.html

ADELAIDE UNITED v SHANDONG LUNENG: ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAY OFF

Adelaide United have been in impressive form in the A-League of late, with 7 wins from their last 10 outings (+ 3 draws). Manager Guillermo Amor had to fend off some flak early in the season when the Reds limped to 3 draws from 8 games. But things have changed.

The criticism for straying from predecessor Josep Gombau’s easy on the eye, tiki taka style has now been silenced. In all truth, Amor’s Adelaide is only a slight departure, with players less likely to be stubbornly attempting to pass out of impossible situations.

In the January transfer window Adelaide lost passing midfielder Jimmy Jeggo and Osama Malik, but gained Stefan Mauk. The 20 year old midfielder is one of those rare Australians that looks comfortable on the ball and is reportedly being courted by clubs in Holland, Belgium and Germany. Adding to the ins, is the acquisition of former fan favourite Sergio van Dijk. The experienced striker is back from stints in Indonesia and Thailand. 

Poignantly Adelaide manager Amor emphasised the importance of the match for the locals in yesterday's press conference. "It's a big day for us, for Adelaide, the club and our supporters, and for Australian football in general," he said.

On the other hand, Shandong Luneng form part of the brave new world of Chinese soccer. Led by former Brazilian national team manager Mano Menezes, the east coast club were 6-0 victors last week in their first Asian Champions League play-off against Indians Mohun Bagan. 

As is standard with Chinese Super League clubs, Shandong have a bevy of foreigners at their disposal. Most well known would be Argentine international Walter Montillo in midfield. Amongst their Brazilian contingent is 27 year old Aloisio. The former Sao Paulo player picked up 22 goals as Shandong nudged Beijing Guoan out of 3rd place in last year’s CSL. 

Another one to watch in the orange team is Chinese national team midfielder Hao, Junmin. The 28 year old received a football education in Germany at Schalke 04 between 2009 and 2012, and he made an impression in the 2015 Asian Cup with his precision passing.

For neutrals this is probably the pick of the play-off matches in the east side of the Asian Champions League. Look out for Marcelo Carrusca, Adelaide’s midfield maestro whom a close friend of mine says is, “too good for the A-League.” Powerful Bruce Djite will be a thorn in the sides of Shandong's less physically imposing defenders. Throw in fleet-footed fullback Tarek Elrich and the home side should just have enough to join Hiroshima, FC Seoul and Buriram in Group F of the Asian Champions League. 

Betting: Adelaide United $2.60 Draw $3.40 Shandong Luneng $2.60

FC TOKYO v CHONBURI FC - ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAY OFF

FC Tokyo found their way to the Asian Champions League play-off via a 4th place finish in the J-League. After a great start to 2015, the loss of Yoshinori Muto severely impacted the club.

New FC Tokyo manager Hiroshi Jofuku has been quick to 'shoosh' any fans anticipating something big from the Gas Men in the play-off saying, "Getting the league title is the club's biggest aim." Their trial form has been somewhat concerning also, with a recent loss to 2nd tier Tokyo Verdy (30/1/16) and a draw with 3rd tier Ryukyu (24/1/16).

Young midfielder Shoya Nakajima is likely to be rested due to his recent commitments to the Japanese U/23s team. Of interest for outsiders will be new purchase Ha, Dae-Sung from South Korea and Aussie Nathan Burns. Ha, Dae-Sung had a trophy-less stint at Beijing Guoan, while Burns will be hoping to get more game time under the new manager.

Chonburi FC have the benefit of a 'real' match under their belts after a close shave with Yangon United in last week's round of ACL play-offs. The Thai club was forced to extra time by the Myanmar outfit. Not an impressive result but they're now battle hardened.

Word is the many new faces in the Chonburi line-up are still to gel. Amongst the new starting members are three midfielders, so it's not surprising that cohesion was lacking in the Yangon clash. Tuesday night will represent another chance for the Sharks new arrivals to impress manager Therdsak.

With so many unknowns (two new managers, pre season form, new signings) this clash is a good one for punters to steer clear of. Chonburi won't be lacking motivation after falling at the hands of Japanese opponents Kashiwa at the same stage last year, but will that be enough against their more acclaimed rivals?

Betting: FC Tokyo $1.22  - draw $6 - Chonburi FC $11

SYDNEY FC UNVEILS ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE VALUE DEAL FOR FANS

The A-League's 2014/15 runners up Sydney FC have launched a super value deal to attract fans to this year's Asian Champions League fixtures. The Sky Blues - grouped with glamour clubs Guangzhou Evergrande and Urawa Reds - are offering fans the opportunity to watch all three home games for a total of $45.

The $45 deal provides 'general admission' access for adults, while students and children can enter for less ($35 & $15 respectively). For those that prefer the premium seats (situated on the half-way line) you will pay a maximum of $75 to watch all three home fixtures.

Sydney FC's Allianz Stadium - seating plan.

It's a great initiative from Sydney FC as few A-League fans share the same enthusiasm East Asian Soccer bloggers do for the ACL. Though these clubs and players are the best in the Asian Football Confederation, none are household names, thus cut price deals are the order of the day. Hats off to the decision makers at the harbour city. 

Sydney's ACL campaign begins on February 24th, when they take on Urawa Reds in Japan. However, their first home game is against the mighty Guangzhou Evergrande on March 2nd. The full list of fixtures can be found below.

Meanwhile, the Sky Blues will have to compete without talented fullback Alex Gersbach. The 18 year old has left the A-League for Rosenborg in Norway.

Urawa Reds v Sydney FC (24th Feb)

Sydney FC v Guangzhou Evergrande (2nd March)

Play off winner v Sydney FC (16th March)

Sydney FC v Play off winner (5th April)

Guangzhou Evergrande v Sydney FC (20th April)

Sydney FC v Urawa Reds (4th May)

ROVERS CRASH OUT IN ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFIER

Singapore's Tampines Rovers have crashed out of the Asian Champions League. The 'Mighty Stags' were defeated 3-1 in India by Kolkata (Calcutta) outfit Mohun Bagan.

After spending up big through January, the Singapore club captured former EPL winger Jermaine Pennant and Canadian Jordan Webb. Unfortunately for them Pennant was unavailable for the Asian Champions League qualifier due to AFC squad nomination constraints.

Mohun Bagan got away to a great start with a 5th minute goal to 25 year old forward Jeje Lalpekhlua.      Import Cornell Glen of Trinidad & Tobago extended the hosts' lead in the 41st minute with an assist from Sony Norde. Earlier Glen had been hospitable enough to aim a penalty straight at the visiting Stags goalkeeper. This time he wasn't so kind.

All hope wasn't lost for the Singapore club though as they rallied with a late first half goal of their own (Hanapi, 43rd min). They remained in the contest until an 83rd minute goal from Japanese import Katsumi Yusa ensured victory for the Indians.

Mohun Bagan now head to China to face Shandong Luneng on February 2nd. On the same day a number of other Asian Champions League qualifiers take place on the east side of the draw. Thai clubs Chonburi and Muangthong United are in action as well Vietnamese champions Hanoi T&T. The full fixture list can be found below.

Shandong Luneng (CHN) v Mohun Bagan (IND)

Hanoi T&T (VIE) v Kitchee (HK)

Chonburi FC (THA) v Yangon United (MYA)

Muangthong United (THA) v Johor Darul Ta'zim (MAS)

DEAR MR PIGNATA, PLEASE DON'T TELL FANS WHO THEY SHOULD RESPECT

Ali Abbas - Sydney FC

Earlier this week Sydney FC CEO Tony Pignata pleaded that Western Sydney Wanderers fans show Ali Abbas some respect in this weekend's Sydney Derby. Abbas returned last Saturday from a knee injury that occurred in a derby match in November 2014. As a result of Pignata's pleas the passionate Iraq born attacker is set to cop a barrage, as the last thing you should do is tell a fan who they need to respect.

CASE IN POINT - ADAM GOODES

Australian sports fans don't have to dig deeply into their memory banks to find a similar situation to that of Ali Abbas. AFL player Adam Goodes experienced a season of cat calls, boos, rude gestures and even racial taunts.

Respected as one of AFL's best players, Goodes - an aboriginal Australian - made it known the constant jeering was affecting him. Did the fans stop and respect Adam? No.

The booing and jeering got worse. Only after a bout of baloney from the 'professional' media and AFL's CEO claiming the booing was racist, did it finally fade. But only temporarily. By the end of the season, the booing was back.

ABBAS THE VOLATILE

Just like Goodes in his sport, Ali Abbas is one of the A-League's most talented. This fact alone makes Abbas a target for the boo boys. Add to that the fact that Abbas plays the game with a frightening passion, producing animated goal celebrations, pumping his fists and berating opponents when the occasion suits. Quite frankly the A-League needs more like him.

But come Saturday evening at Parramatta, Western Sydney fans will unleash hell. Every fist pump and every time he touches the ball, swathes of home fans will remind Ali that they hate him. And the Daily Telegraph feature telling of how affected the Sydney FC attacker was by social media abuse, will only encourage Wanderers fans.

PIGNATA'S PLEA TO FALL ON DEAF EARS

"I just hope from the fans’ point of view that they let him focus on the football," said Pignata. "It would be nice to think that they will show him some respect for what he has achieved simply in getting back on to the pitch."

Oh Please! It's hard to believe that Pignata would be dumb enough to request Wanderers fans be nice to his players. Even in the age of the politically correct, there is no way Abbas will find Parramatta Stadium to be his 'happy place'.

Saturday night just can't come soon enough for Wanderers fans, and Ali Abbas will find himself at the centre of the storm. He can thank Sydney FC CEO Tony Pignata for that. 

VAN PERSIE TO BE IN MELBOURNE FOR ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

If rumours are true, Robin Van Persie is set to make his Asian Champions League debut this February in Melbourne. The Dutch star is said to be on his way to Shanghai SIPG who will likely qualify for Group G of the ACL. Group G includes Melbourne Victory, Gamba Osaka and Suwon Samsung Bluewings.

Currently contracted to Turkish club Fenebahce, Van Persie will head to the Sven Goran Eriksson managed outfit and play in the 2016 Chinese Super League. 

The Chinese Super League continues to go from strength to strength, recruiting big name players and managers from Europe that other leagues in Asia can only dream of.

If all the stars align, Shanghai SIPG will meet Melbourne Victory on February 24th. But first the Chinese club will need to defeat the winner of Muangthong United (Thailand) and Johor (Malaysia) who play an Asian Champions League play-off on 2nd February. 

SYDNEY FC TO HOST J-LEAGUE GIANTS URAWA REDS IN ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Sydney FC & Urawa Reds set to meet on 19/04/2016

The 2016 Asian Champions League group placings have finally been determined. Sydney FC find themselves in the group of death, facing Asian Champions Guangzhou Evergrande and Japan's Urawa Reds plus a play-off winner most likely to be ACL regulars Pohang Steelers.

Sydney FC will host the famed Urawa Reds on 19th April, 2016. By that stage of the competition (the 5th match) it's possible the two teams will be scrapping for the second qualifying spot behind Guangzhou Evergrande. 

For the uneducated, Urawa are the J-League's most supported team, regularly attracting more than 40,000 to club fixtures. Sadly for those loyal fans the Reds have often raised hopes only to fall short of silverware. 

The year 2015 was another such year for Urawa fans, as the Saitama club lit up the J-League with a dominant 1st Stage win only to crumble in the finals series. The Reds then went on to play bridesmaid in the Emperor's Cup Final on New Year's Day, despite starting favourites against old foes Gamba Osaka.

For Sydney FC, the 2016 ACL will be just their third appearance in the tournament. Previously the Sky Blues finished 2nd in their group (2007) however, that was in a time when qualification for the knockout stage required winning your group. Ironically Sydney FC's group included Urawa Reds back in 2007, and the two played out a nil-all draw in Saitama for the last game of the group phase. The draw denying Sydney FC the chance to advance, while Urawa went on to win the tournament. 

In other Champions League news Melbourne Victory are set to host Gamba Osaka in the last game of the group stage on 3rd May. Before that however, Kevin Muscat's men will face off against a play-off winner most likely to be Shanghai East Asia, managed by one Sven Goran Eriksson. Melbourne's other group opponent is Suwon Samsung Bluewings of South Korea. 

Australia's Adelaide United will have their work cut out for them in the Asian Champions League as they're forced to go through play-offs before enter the competition proper. The Reds - who have found a patch of form in the A-League - will need to beat Chinese club Shandong Luneng before joining a group including Sanfrecce Hiroshima, FC Seoul and dominant Thai champions Buriram United. 

EMPEROR'S CUP FINALISTS DECIDED

Urawa Reds vs Gamba Osaka in Emperor's Cup Final

Old rivalries will be renewed in the Emperor's Cup Final, when Urawa Reds face off against Gamba Osaka on New Year's Day. The Reds will be looking to make up for their finals football failings, after a promising start to the J-League season ended in tears earlier in December.

The Saitama (just north of Tokyo) based club stumbled through their semi final with Kashiwa Reysol via a 117th minute winner courtesy of Tadanari Lee. Urawa had previously knocked off quarter final opponent Vissel Kobe 3-0. The Reds picked up three first half goals in that fixture on December 26th, however, their December 29th fixture was more taxing.

Gamba Osaka's path through the quarter finals and into the final has been less troublesome. On Saturday, 26th December, Gamba got home 3-1 over Sagan Tosu, while three days later they gave the J-League champions a footballing lesson.

Inspired by another Takashi Usami brace (Usami scored twice v Sagan Tosu), Gamba demolished Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3-0. It was sweet revenge for the Osaka club who were runners up to Hiroshima in the J-League's two legged Championship Final just weeks earlier.

Hiroshima were no doubt suffering burnout. The 'purple archers' had recently won the Championship Final, before playing four matches at the FIFA World Club Cup, where they finished a respectable third.

THE FINAL

In today's final however, it's Urawa who will most likely be feeling the effects of fatigue after their 120 minute semi final with Kashiwa. In order to win the Emperor's Cup, the Reds will have to alter the 'head to head' history of this fixture.

In 2015 the teams met four times, and Gamba Osaka were victors on three occasions. The most recent being the J-League Championship Semi Final on 28th November.

Urawa's influential midfielder Yosuke Kashiwagi is in doubt also after his 39th minute injury substitution against Kashiwa.

The above factors make it hard for us to envisage a win for the Reds however, bookmakers have the Kanto club as favourites. Along with bragging rights the reward for today's winner is a place in Asian Champions League Group G with Melbourne Victory (Aust.) and the likes of Suwon Bluewings (Sth Korea). The loser will slot into Group H with Guangzhou Evergrande and Sydney FC. 

ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW COMPLETED FOR 2016

The 2016 Asian Champions League draw has been completed though there are still many unknowns. On the East side including clubs from South Korea, Japan, China and Australia, there are some headline matches already penned in.

Asian Champions League Group Stage Draw 2016

In Group G Australia’s number one ranked team Melbourne Victory will line up against Suwon Samsung Bluewings of South Korea. Suwon finished second to a dominant Jeonbuk in the K-League but the Bluewings are one of the best supported clubs in South Korea.

In Group H reigning champions Guangzhou Evergrande will travel to Sydney. The Felip Scolari managed outfit are currently preparing for the Club World Cup in Japan, but from February 2016 they’ll be busy defending their Asian Champions League title. 

Asian Champions League Group Stage Draw 2016

The Group H draw will have Sydney FC manager Graham Arnold licking his lips. Arnold has proved himself consistently successful in Australia however, his foray into J-League management was a disaster. After leaving Central Coast Mariners as a champion Arnold took up a post at Vegalta Sendai, only to walk away from the role when senior players stonewalled any new policies he looked to implement. 

Meanwhile in Group E, Jeonbuk look to have been rewarded for their total dominance in the K-League. They’ve been drawn alongside China’s FA Cup winners Jiangsu Sainty, Vietnam’s Binh Duong and a play off winner from Thailand, Myanmar or Japan. 

Though on paper Jeonbuk’s draw looks a cake walk their have been rumours of Jiangsu Sainty going on an off season spending spree, which would likely make things a little more difficult. Also in Group E, there is a strong likelihood that Japan’s Gamba Osaka will join Jeonbuk, the team that eliminated them in the 2015 competition. 

Asian Champions League Group Stage Draw 2016

As Gamba Osaka are still alive in the Emperors Cup, they’re group draw cannot be finalised. Unfortunately, the J-League has everyone in the dark as to who is their 2nd, 3rd and 4th elected teams. 

Finally in Group F there are Sanfrecce Hiroshima, FC Seoul and Buriram United. Hiroshima were recently crowned champions of Japan after winning a two legged final against Gamba. The 'purple archers' will be looking to improve upon previous efforts, as will Thailand's Buriram who crashed out after an impressive start to the Group Stage in 2015. 

Asian Champions League Group Stage Draw 2016

Australia's Adelaide United will likely play China's Shandong Luneng in a play-off for the final position in Group F.

GAMBA OSAKA INTO FINALS AS FC TOKYO DRAWS A BLANK

Gamba Osaka has qualified for the 2016 Asian Champions League and resuscitated their J-League title hopes with a 4-0 drubbing of relegated Montedio Yamagata.

Gamba will now meet Urawa Reds next Saturday to decide who will challenge Sanfrecce Hiroshima over two legs to decide the J-League Champions.

On the final day of the regular season FC Tokyo were in position to qualify for the finals series but a draw with Sagan Tosu meant Gamba swept into 3rd place via a 4-0 win, and superior goal difference. The 'Gas Men' had set the league ablaze in the first stage with the assistance of striker Yoshinori Muto, but his departure to Germany left a void that could not be filled.

FC Tokyo dominated all the stats on the final day but couldn't find that precious goal. Once again Socceroo Nathan Burns was a spectator as the red and blue racked up eleven shots to five and ten corners to three.

On the other hand Gamba Osaka simply got the job done. Their first goal didn't come easy, but once the goal was breached, the floodgates crashed open. Kotaro Omori picked up his brace in the 61st and 63rd minute. A minute later Shun Nagasawa secured victory with a header, in only his third appearance for the club. Finally, defender Koki Yonekura drove a nail into the relegated Yamagata coffin with a fourth goal in the 66th minute.

Albirex Niigata fans filled the away end at Kashiwa. 

KASHIWA v NIIGATA

Meanwhile, in one of the many dead rubbers on final day, Kashiwa and Niigata played out a 1-1 draw. The northerners had come in large numbers to the nation's capital and Ibusuki's 81st minute equaliser was just reward for the fans and players alike.

Kashiwa had gone into cruise mode after an own goal had them ahead in the 24th minute. It was not until Ibusuki was shoved in the back and awarded a penalty that the 'Sun Kings' awoke from their slumber. They rallied late but there would be no winner. A result that summed up both teams' seasons.

Despite the draw and 15th placed finish, Niigata manager Masaaki Yanigishita left the club on good terms. Fans shouted his name and cheered as he returned from the dressing rooms for a solo cheerio to the loyal Albirex Niigata fans. Few will forget his arrival and saviour of the club in 2012, when he steered the club clear of relegation on the final day.

Masaaki Yanagishita watches over Niigata for the last time.

RELEGATION

The J-League will say goodbye to Shimizu S-Pulse this season. The J-League foundation club will be relegated to J2 for the first time in their history. After sacking Afshin Ghotbi last season, the team continued to use managers as scapegoats this year. Katsuki Oenoki was axed in August but there was no saving the Shizuokans.

Midfielder Takuya Honda gave this honest reflection, to the Japan Times, "We changed managers again this season, but if the players are good enough than it doesn't matter who the manager is."

Along with Shimzu S-Pulse, Matsumoto Yamaga and Montedio Yamagata will return to J2. The pair failed to cope with the standard of the Japanese top flight after promotion just this season. Though they struggled to keep pace with the playing standard, Matsumoto's fans were a definite highlight and it their green army will no doubt be back in J1 soon.

At this moment in time it's only Omiya Ardija who are assured of promotion from J2. Battling it out for the other automatic promotion place are Jubilo Iwata and Avispa Fukuoka. Scout out a live stream or online betting account to watch tomorrow's action unfold. 

GUANGZHOU EVERGRANDE CHASING MORE SILVERWARE IN ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

Evergrande Taobao - not shy about being the best forever.

Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao have already won a fifth Chinese Super League title in a row, but tonight they look to add a second Asian Champions League crown to their bursting trophy cabinet.

The team from the south of China have put themselves in the box seat for the two legged ACL Final, after battling out a 0-0 draw with hosts Al Ahli in the first leg. However, they're most likely to take the field without star striker Ricardo Goulart in the decider.

Goulart's importance can't be underestimated as he tops a number of the ACL's most important stats. The Brazilian is leading goalscorer (8), leading shot taker (33) and third highest ranked creative player.

Though Evergrande Taobao can boast numerous internationals and a bevy of Chinese National Team players, Goulart's goal scoring prowess will surely be missed. To counter that, fans will put currency in the team's irrepressible manager Felipe Scolari.

Scolari has weaved a magic wand over the team since arriving, and he remains undefeated at the helm of Evergrande. He spoke at the pre match press conference regarding the significance of the match to him, "I haven't been in China for so long. But I believe this game is important for both the players and myself, and I would like to grab the next championship of my career." The Brazilian gave little indication of the team's tactics.

The challenge for Evergrande though will be to find a goal without Goulart. They have many creative outlets in, Paulinho, Elkeson and Huang Bowen, however their opponents Al Ahli can capture the title with as little as a 1-1 draw over the 90 minutes. This will no doubt affect the mindset of the usually attack minded Chinese club.

For their part Al Ahli are appearing in their first continental final. It is in fact the first time the UAE club advanced beyond the group stage of the Asian Champions League. Amongst their squad is South Korean, Kwon, Kyung-Won and Brazilian Lima.

Lima has scored in four of the five ACL games he has played for Al Ahli. Kwon Kyung-Won has plenty of big game experience having played with mighty K-League outfit Jeonbuk in their 2013 and 2014 campaigns. Perhaps though the home grown talent Ahmed Khalil will pose the biggest threat to Guangzhou Evergrande, as the 24 year old has slotted six goals in the tournament so far.

For punters it's a hard one to pick as a number of unknowns are in play. Guangzhou without Goulart, Al Ahli without regular defender Abdelaziz Hussain, who inexplicably lost the plot and received a red card in the dying minutes of the first leg.

Asked whether he felt his Chinese teammates would be suffering mentally after a disappointing draw with Hong Kong on the international scene, Zheng Zhi's response was that of a winner.

"We may suffer from that game physically and psychologically, but we're all professionals. We can recover very well. I'm confident."

Story compiled by Tony Yang & Lew Dub.

East Asian Soccer writer Tony Yang meets the prize.

JAPAN'S TWO STAGE SYSTEM DISCUSSED

This year the J-League has reverted to a two stage format to decide who is Japanese soccer's champion club side. A similar two stage system had been in place during the 90s and early 2000s, but the new system incorporates a convoluted mathematical process which determines if just 3 teams or a possible 5 teams contests the finals.  

Cutting through the many permutations, this year it appears there will be just three teams in the finals. Making up those teams will be Urawa (1st Stage winners), Hiroshima (likely 2nd Stage winners) and Gamba Osaka the likely 3rd placegetters in the regular season. Here, the term regular season applies to the full 34 matches rather than the 17 matches that constitutes a stage.

While many argue that an end of season finals series is an unfair way to decide a champion, East Asian Soccer disagrees. Most who are opponents of finals systems are caught up in nostalgic reminiscence of 'what football is meant to be.'

They argue that it's unfair on the team that slogged away all season and won the most matches. However, they're forgetting that all teams and players involved in competitions with end of season finals are aware at the beginning of the season, that the champion is not decided in a 'first past the post' manner. Unfair, maybe if you didn't read the rules. 

In 2015 the 1st Stage winner was Urawa Reds. We're now just two matches from the end of the 2nd Stage, and Hiroshima has a handy three point lead, buttressed by a superior goal difference over closest opponent Kashima. 

2015 J-League 2nd Stage Ladder with two matches to play.

Even if the unthinkable happened and Hiroshima failed to take three points from their last two matches (and Kashima won both or took four points), the 'purple archers' would still be involved in the finals series as the confusing system allows for 2nd and 3rd from the entire/regular season to participate in the finals also.

Looking at the regular season ladder, Sanfrecce Hiroshima are guaranteed a place in the finals, Kashima are not. The only route to the finals for Kashima is via a 2nd Stage winner ticket. The Antlers will need to take four points more than Hiroshima over the last two matches. 

2015 J-League Regular Season Ladder after 32 rounds.

2014 treble winners Gamba Osaka are far from assured a place in the finals either. Their only route to the finals is via a 3rd place finish on the regular season ladder. 

The Kansai club will have their work cut out for them, facing Hiroshima and Yamagata, while the chasing FC Tokyo meets Kashiwa and Sagan Tosu. 

Gamba will also be battling demons after recent losses in both the league cup and Asian Champions League against Kashima and Guangzhou Evergrande respectively. FC Tokyo could well collect all six points as opponents Kashiwa are resigned to a mid-table finish and Sagan Tosu are safe from relegation with nothing else to play for. 

All Round 33 fixtures kick off at 2pm Japan time. 

ONE GOAL ENOUGH FOR GAMBA TO TAKE ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL PLACE

Gamba Osaka host Guangzhou Evergrande in the second leg of their Asian Champions League Semi Final tonight. The first leg ending 2-1 in favour of the Chinese club, Gamba now needs just a 1-0 victory to take their place in the ACL Final alongside Al Ahli of UAE.

RECENT FORM

Since their loss to Evergrande in China, Kenta Hasegawa's men suffered two more defeats in succession. In one, a depleted Gamba lost 2-1 to struggling Albirex Niigata in Japan's version of the League Cup, while the other loss saw them ship five goals to 7th placed Kawasaki Frontale.

Gamba Osaka vs Guangzhou Evergrande

The Kansai club have since won their next two outings. Correcting their first leg loss to Niigata they advanced to the final of the aforementioned Cup competition with a 2-0 victory, before a 2-1 win over old foes Urawa.

Importantly in the context of tonight's fixture, the clean sheet against Niigata was Gamba's first in ten matches. Can we expect the entertainers to get down and gritty against the Chinese Super League's champions elect? Probability says no.

But for their part Guangzhou Evergrande aren't exactly a tower of strength either. In their eleven ACL fixtures in 2015, Evergrande have scored 18 goals and conceded 14. More than a goal per match.

KEY PLAYERS FOR THE HOME TEAM

Gamba Osaka will be buoyed by the return of regular centre back Daiki Niwa. The 29 year old was missing for the first leg due to suspension but is back for the home tie and sure add some assuredness to the backline.

Gamba will also look for a bigger contribution from attacking midfielder Takashi Usami who was substituted in the 74th minute of the first leg. The match had started with both sides showing equal intent, however, 25-30 minutes into the match things changed.

THE FIRST LEG

Gamba were ahead via a Feng Xiaoting own goal (12th min) and the Japanese club were content to sit back and rarely send men forward in meaningful assaults on goal - totally out of character. Gamba conceded through a superb half volley from Huang, Bowen before an equally brilliant header from captain Zheng, Zhi in the 57th minute.

The post match statistics were damning for Gamba Osaka. Evergrande firing off an incredible 22 shots to Gamba's miserly 3. Being hosts those statistics should change, but will it be enough?

All the questions will be answered tonight.

Kick Off: 7pm Japan time.

REDS ATTACKED BY ONLINE TROLLS

Adelaide United kicked off their A-League season with a credible draw against Melbourne Victory, but the club was involved in an off field skirmish on the eve of Friday's clash. The Reds dared to allow club sponsor Travel Superstore to use female staff wearing 'red skirts and black high heels' to sell raffle tickets, on the night of the match. As usual the squeaky wheel brigade screamed into action.

[click here to see the 'offensive' Travel Superstore Reds Girls]

Promoted on the club's Twitter account, the Travel Superstore Reds Girls were attacked by a girl gang that amounted to approximately ten people. Unsurprisingly, some members of the 'professional' media seized the opportunity to assert their moral superiority, while others just sounded like man-haters. 

One bitter user took to the Reds with the pent-up anger of a thousand feminists. Amy was infuriated that the Reds "could frame women as accessories and infantilise them by calling them 'girls'". Amy was offended because the Travel Superstore raffle ticket sellers were called girls rather than women. 

I tweeted to Amy that adult men are often referred to as boys, particularly in the sports arena. But she was having none of it and replied back that she didn't approve of that either.

Others seemed to totally miss the point of the promotion, labelling the Reds Girls as cheerleaders - god forbid an Australian soccer team uses cheerleaders as apparently only the other 'bogan codes' would use them  - while others shouted for images of the Adelaide United women's team, who had nothing to do with the Travel Superstore promotion.

For clarity, the Travel Superstore Reds Girls were tasked with selling raffle tickets to fans, whom after parting with $5 were in the running to win a $2000 travel voucher. That was their job.

Of the professional media it was The Daily Telegraph's Tom Smithies who led the charge. "I really find it extraordinary that someone thought this sexist rubbish was a good idea," the righteous scribe tweeted.

When asked how the promotion was sexist Smithies failed to answer directly, instead posting a tweet to all his followers in which he was able to insert two word weapons in one sentence - them being: sexist and objectification.

Smithies was displaying the signature behavioural trait that American academic Shelby Steele calls dissociation. It's the kind of behaviour that large government and private institutions exhibit in order to clear themselves from any perceived racism or sexism. In this incidence the Daily Telegraph employee used some keywords as labels in order to assert his moral superiority.

Travel Superstore Reds Girls - offensive?

Of course Smithies was joined by some like-minded minor celebrities in Mel McLaughlin and George Donikian. The pair jumped at the chance to dissociate themselves from 'sexism'. McLaughlin tweeted "Please tell me this is a joke," as if to say that she disapproved of any kind of eye-candy that the Travel Superstore Reds Girls provided. It was the ultimate in irony from the former FoxSports presenter. Donikian, it must be said seemed more to be taking advantage of the gathering of a girl gang, when he tweeted, "We interviewed real female football fans in our series Fields to Dreams."

Fortunately the righteous and hateful tweets gained little traction and only provided an example of how quick some are to use labels in pursuit of credibility. Hopefully, the Travel Superstore Reds Girls don't have to put up with more abusive bullying online or at Adelaide United matches.

GUANGZHOU EVERGRANDE v GAMBA OSAKA - ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI FINAL PREVIEW

Gamba Osaka vs Guangzhou Evergrande

It's a promoters dream. Two of the continent's biggest clubs, the reigning champions of their respective leagues, and an international rivalry that dates to a time before football.

China's Guangzhou Evergrande takes on Japan's Gamba Osaka.

It's the Asian Champions League semi final, a match that doubles as a grand final for the east side of the conference. While Guangzhou is once again topping the charts in the Chinese Super League, Gamba Osaka's form in the 2nd Stage of a complicated J-League season is simmering to dangerous levels.

Currently 4th in the J-League's combined or regular table, the Osaka club will go into the two legged tie as underdogs. Torch bearers for the once vaunted but now stuttering Japanese club competition, Gamba is aiming to bring the Champions League title to Japan for the first time in seven years. The last time a Japanese club was champion it was Gamba who tore Adelaide United apart in a one sided final. 

Led by statesman Yasuhito Endo, Gamba Osaka boasts one of the most feared attacks in the AFC, with the silky Takashi Usami and the brute force of Brazilian Patric. 

After being forced to miss the quarter final tie with Jeonbuk, Usami said, "In the next match I want to show how I can contribute to the team and help us go to the final," on the AFC Official site. 

"Guangzhou is one of the best teams in Asia and they will be coming at us hard seeking the win," he added. 

Usami was instrumental in Gamba's domestic treble last year, and the flashy attacking midfielder has truly experienced a rebirth since his Munich malaise. 

Meanwhile, Guangzhou will be looking to emulate their 2013 ACL triumph. Boosted by the recent purchase of Paulinho from Tottenham, the southern Tigers host the first leg. After ditching previous manager Fabio Cannavaro, the club went for the 'slightly more experienced' Felipe Scholari. 'Big Phil' has somehow been able to inject life back into a side that has admittedly achieved everything over the last three to four years and would be excused if motivation was on the wane. 

"Every second on the field is going to be important on Wednesday," Scholari warned, and the Brazilian implored his men to keep a clean sheet and take a lead to Osaka for the second leg. 

For punters there seems to be only one team in the first leg, as Gamba Osaka have been quoted as long as $5.50 at some betting agencies. Looking at the following stats provides good reason for the bookies and desperate to be banking on a Chinese win:

• In their quarter final tie Guangzhou dispatched of Japanese club Kashiwa Reysol by roundly drubbing the Chiba club 3-1 in the first leg in Japan.
• Guangzhou is undefeated in their last 17 matches.
• Felipe Scholari is unbeaten as manager of the Chinese club.
• Guangzhou has game breaker Paulinho.
• The Tigers also have Ricardo Goulart and Chinese international Gao Lin.
• Gamba Osaka will be without regular centre-back Daiki Niwa.
• Gamba Osaka has conceded 7 goals in their last 5 matches.

For those that like an underdog, maybe you can take some solace in these stats:

• After losing their first two ACL matches this year, Gamba have gone 8 matches undefeated.
• Takashi Usami has played 29 matches and scored 19 goals this year.
• Gamba defeated their last Chinese opponent (Guangzhou R&F) 5-nil in China.
• The Japanese club has scored the most goals in the 2015 ACL with 19 goals from their 10 matches. Guangzhou Evergrande has only managed 16. 

If forced to pick a winner I have to side with Guangzhou Evergrande, as the Tigers have too many game breakers. Gamba themselves have Usami, Patric and super sub Shu Kurata as possible match winners, but the enforced change in the back-line could be the difference. 

Enjoy what should be a two-legged feast of attacking football.