Hulk hits cracker in AFC Champions League semi-final stalemate
Brazilian striker scores for Shanghai SIPG in a 1-1 draw, while Al Hilal in command after a 4-0 thrashing of Iran’s Persepolis
Brazilian striker Hulk hit his ninth goal in the Asian Champions League this season but Shanghai SIPG failed to take their chances in a 1-1 semi-final stalemate with Urawa Red Diamonds on Wednesday.
Andre Villas-Boas’ side will travel to Japan for the second leg on October 18 still very much in the tie, but they could easily have been out of sight.
As has been the case so many times this season, the burly Hulk was Shanghai’s major threat, while former Chelsea star Oscar struck a post.
The hosts wasted the first chance of the game when Hulk and fellow Brazilian forward Elkeson got in each another’s way in slapstick fashion in the 10th minute.
Five minutes later it was 1-0 and again Hulk – leading scorer in the Champions League – was on the scoresheet, blasting the ball into the bottom corner from outside the box.
Shanghai, who are pushing for a domestic and continental treble, then went close through Elkeson as they dominated.