Ricardo Goulart hits hat-trick for Guangzhou Evergrande
Nasty injury to keeper Zeng Cheng overshadows Chinese club's 3-2 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers in AFC Champions League
Ricardo Goulart’s hat-trick earned Guangzhou Evergrande a 3-2 win over reigning AFC Champions League title-holders Western Sydney Wanderers in Sydney on Wednesday night, but the victory was overshadowed by a nasty injury to goalkeeper Zeng Cheng.
Zeng was carried off on a spinal board and taken to hospital after a clash of heads with teammate Kim Young-gwon in an incident that further increased the club’s casualty list during their short stay in Australia.
New signing Alan sustained a knee injury in training on Tuesday that coach Fabio Cannavaro claimed could keep the Brazilian out for up to six months, but it was Zeng’s injury that was the greater cause of concern.
It’s normal, of course [that the lengthy stoppage] has an effect on the match. Of course, they were going to try their best in the last few minutes
Guangzhou, the Chinese Super League champions, were leading 3-1 when Zeng and Kim collided as both sought to defend yet another high ball into the area as Western Sydney pushed for a way back into the game.
Pitchside medical staff quickly attended to both players, as the game was suspended for 17 minutes before Zeng was eventually removed from the field.
He was replaced by Li Shuai, while Kim, who was up on his feet after treatment, was also substituted as a precaution.
Zeng was taken to nearby Westmead hospital for tests with local reports suggesting the 28-year-old had suffered a suspected broken jaw.
“Alan’s injury is quite serious, I think he will be out for a long time,” said Cannavaro after the game. “For the goalkeeper, it isn’t as serious and he went to the hospital just for checks.