Two-time champions Guangzhou Evergrande were held to a 1-1 draw by Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in AFC Champions league Group G on Wednesday.
Brazilian striker Alan opened the scoring for Guangzhou in the 26th minute, slotting the ball into the bottom corner after Goulart's accurate pass from left side of the box.
Guangzhou had chances to increase their lead. But Yu Hanchao was denied twice by the keeper and the bar in the 28th and 30th minute.
The Japanese side dominated the second half. Yu's handball in the 92nd minute gifted Kawasaki a penalty. Yu Kobayashi converted it easily and made the final score 1-1.
"Our target was to get three points, it was a pity we couldn't get the result we wanted, but the players did their best," Kawasaki coach Oniki Toru said at the post-match press conference.
"Normally we could score two or three goals to win the match in such an occasion like tonight, but unfortunately we couldn't score even one more goal to clinch the victory," Guangzhou's coach Luiz Scolari said.
