In an electrifying AFC Champions League Elite match on Tuesday, Shanghai Port of the Chinese Super League triumphed over South Korea's Ulsan HD with a convincing 3-1 victory at the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium. 🌟
Shanghai's Argentine striker Matias Vargas was the star of the night, netting a stunning hat trick with all three goals expertly set up by Brazilian midfielder Oscar. The dynamic duo proved unstoppable as they secured Shanghai's position in the knockout stage.
The first goal came early in the 11th minute when Oscar launched a swift counterattack from the left wing. He delivered a perfect pass to Vargas, who deftly dodged a defender and smashed the ball into the bottom left corner, giving Shanghai a 1-0 lead.
Twelve minutes later, Oscar showcased his playmaking prowess by intercepting Ulsan's pass in the box and setting up an unmarked Vargas, who doubled their lead. This marked the third consecutive AFC Champions League Elite game where Vargas scored and Oscar assisted, highlighting their incredible chemistry on the field.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 31st minute when Shanghai's defender Li Ang was sent off with a red card for pulling down Ulsan's Lee Chung-yong from behind. Despite being a man down, Shanghai maintained their composure.
Ulsan managed to pull one back in the 73rd minute when Joo Min-Kyu headed a corner kick into the net after the ball first hit the grass and changed direction, making it 3-1.
However, Vargas sealed the deal in the 83rd minute with his third goal. Receiving a precise pass from Oscar, he dribbled forward and unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, sending the ball soaring into Ulsan's goal and securing the win for Shanghai Port.
With this victory, Shanghai Port has risen to eighth place, securing their spot in the knockout stage qualification zone in the East Region. 🚀
