Eriksson's Shanghai SIPG held 0-0 in ACL quarterfinal first leg.

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson admitted the goalless stalemate in Shanghai SIPG's 2016 AFC Champions League quarter-final first leg with Korean champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors was a fair result after his side kept an important clean sheet at Shanghai Stadium on Tuesday.

Current K League Classic table-toppers Jeonbuk came into the tie full of confidence having shown irresistible form in their domestic championship and edged the first half in Shanghai with Brazilian winger Leonardo hitting the post with a curling effort before half-time.

The hosts responded in the second half, though, and saw chances from Wu Lei, Yu Hai and Lu Wenjun narrowly fail to break the deadlock, leaving the tie tightly poised ahead of the return meeting in Jeonju in three weeks' time.

"I think it was an acceptable outcome. They had some chances, we had some chances, so it was even. Of course, winning would have been better but the draw is also OK and a clean sheet at home is very important," said Eriksson.

"The tie is still open and there are still possibilities for us to reach the semi-final. All the players did a great job and showed good spirits, big hearts and great work.

"I don't know if we have a psychological advantage now, with any goal for us in the second leg now counting double but, of course, nil-nil at home is never a bad a result in this kind of game and they now have to score to beat us."

Shanghai were already injury-ravaged ahead of the tie with Asia's most expensive player Hulk and 2013 AFC Champions League winner Dario Conca ruled out ahead of the tie, and there was further concern when captain Sun Xiang was withdrawn at half-time before Korea Republic defender Kim Ju-young was also substituted, looking in some discomfort, in the second half.

However, Eriksson confirmed there is good news ahead of the second leg at Jeonju World Cup Stadium.

"Kim Ju-young had cramp, he is not injured, so that's very positive," added the former England coach.

"If everything goes as we plan, as the doctors plan, then Hulk will be ready for our next Chinese Super League game against Beijing [Guoan].

"That would mean he would be ready for the AFC Champions League game in Korea – fingers crossed."

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)