Shanghai Port has yet to secure a win in the AFC Champions League; can they break this unfortunate streak?

Special Contributor / Li Yun Despite injuries to key foreign players and the absence of young players Kuai Jiwen and Li Xinxiong at the National Games, several domestic members of Shanghai Port rose to the occasion. With excellent displays from Wang Shenchao, Liu Ruofan, and Li Shuai, Shanghai Port won 3-0 at home against Zhejiang, edging closer to a third straight title. On November 22, they will play Dalian Yifang away, needing just a single point to secure the CSL championship. On November 4, Shanghai Port will visit Buriram United in the AFC Champions League Elite East Asia Zone. Can the team, still winless in this competition, break their embarrassing record?

Injuries have been Shanghai Port’s biggest challenge recently. During the last training session before the Zhejiang game, Gabriel was absent again, while main striker Leonardo only jogged on the sidelines with thick bandaging on his right knee, receiving medical support and skipping ball drills. Although unfit to play, Leonardo chose to endure the pain and started the match, playing 82 minutes before being substituted. After the game, Leonardo said he voluntarily insisted on playing despite severe knee pain. “My knee hurt a lot, but this match was crucial for the team, so I pushed myself to perform on the field.”

Affected by his injury, Leonardo’s performance was not at his best and mostly served to occupy the opposition defense. At this moment, the domestic players took charge of the offense. Liu Ruofan’s cross caused an own goal that opened the scoring for Port, and in the second half, veteran Wang Shenchao’s stunning goal effectively sealed the victory.

Coach Muscat expressed great satisfaction with Wang Shenchao’s performance, stating after the match, “I usually avoid praising individuals alone, but tonight Wang Shenchao scored a beautiful goal, so I must say a few words. He has always been outstanding. As captain, although he is not very vocal or flashy, he supports and leads the team in his own way. I’m very happy with how he played tonight.”

Another highlight was Muscat’s tactical adjustment, starting three central defenders—Jiang Guangtai, Wei Zhen, and Wu Mitijiang—simultaneously. Judging by the match outcome, Muscat’s formation change proved highly effective.

Since taking charge, the Australian coach has favored attacking football. This was the first time Shanghai Port started a league match with three center backs. The tight defense formed by Jiang Guangtai and others successfully neutralized Zhejiang’s attack. Although Zhejiang created eight shooting opportunities, only three were on target, failing to score. This marked Port’s first clean sheet in 15 recent matches, the last being a 3-0 home win over Dalian on June 26. “This formation is familiar to us players since previous coaches also used a similar setup,” said Wang Shenchao.

Before the match, Port officially unveiled their mascot “Igo,” who entered the stadium alongside Manchester United’s legendary goalkeeper Van der Sar to greet fans. Van der Sar was also a childhood idol of Port’s goalkeeper Yan Junling. The arrival of Igo and Van der Sar brought good luck, as Yan Junling kept a clean sheet.

The final round of the Chinese Super League will be held on November 22, allowing Port ample time to rest. However, before that, on November 4, they face Buriram United away in the AFC Champions League Elite League. This season, Port has yet to win in the AFC Elite League, recording one draw and two losses. There have been some doubts about the team’s attitude toward the AFC matches. Fans hope Port can temporarily set aside league title pressure and strive for their first AFC win against Buriram United.

“Today, the team showed spirit, determination, and effort. When all these factors come together, anything is possible. I couldn’t be prouder of the team and our supportive fans,” Muscat said after defeating Zhejiang. His current task is to maintain this fighting spirit for different types of matches.

Regarding player selection, Muscat has confirmed changes. Gabriel, Leonardo, and several other injured players will not travel to Thailand. With striker Gustavo suspended, Port’s attack remains thin. Kuai Jiwen and Li Xinxiong, competing in the National Games in Shenzhen, will also be absent.

The trip to face Buriram United will be demanding. Port departed Shanghai on the morning of November 1, flying to Bangkok, where they will rest overnight before flying to Buriram on November 2 to prepare. This match also marks goalkeeper Yan Junling’s 500th appearance for the club, a milestone of great significance. Yan Junling told reporters the game is very important for Port: “Our primary goal is to earn points away. Of course, if we win all three points, it will completely change our chances of advancing from the group.”

Buriram United recently changed coaches, with Englishman Jackson taking over. He previously managed Central Coast Mariners in the A-League and faced Shanghai Shenhua in last season’s AFC Champions League.