AFC Champions League Elite: runners-up Yokohama thrashed 7-3 by debutants Gwangju
South Korean side get first campaign off to a flyer in Seoul, while China’s Shandong Taishan also make winning start
AFC Champions League Elite debutants Gwangju FC scored after just 90 seconds on the way to a 7-3 home hammering of last year’s runners-up Yokohama F-Marinos on Tuesday.
Also on the second night of action in Asia’s newly-rebranded top club competition, China’s Shandong Taishan won 3-1 at home to Central Coast Mariners of Australia.
South Korea’s Gwangju grabbed an early lead in Seoul over their Japanese opponents when Jasir Asani’s tame effort from outside the box squirmed under the grasp of visiting goalkeeper Riku Terakado.
The hosts extended their lead at a sparsely attended Gwangju World Cup Stadium after 25 minutes when Oh Hu-seong headed in unmarked at the back post.
As the rain came down, Yokohama hit back nine minutes later when the Brazilian Elber slammed home.
The game turned goal crazy in the second half, with Albanian international Asani netting twice more for his hat-trick and the hosts adding three more.
