The semi-final of the AFC Champions League (ACL) 2017 on Wednesday 27 September saw Urawa Reds Diamonds share the spoils with Shanghai SIPG (China) in the first leg. The J.League club conceded a goal in the 15th minute, but came back and levelled a match with KASHIWAGI Yosuke’s equaliser on 27 minutes. The second leg to decide the finalists this year will take place at Saitama Stadium 2002 on Wednesday 18 October.

Coaches' and Player's Comments

HORI Takafumi, Coach (Urawa Red Diamonds)
The game went as planned in the first half. We were forced to defend more in the second half, but my players handled the situation well and did not all the opponents to score. This was our minimal requirement, but I still praise my players for forcing a draw today. We will play the second leg with confidence and make the best possible preparations to reach the final as well.

KASHIWAGI Yosuke (Urawa Red Diamonds)
I believe I can take credit for the goal that I scored. However, I am not satisfied with my overall performance. Being out with injury for a couple of weeks might have affected my game, but I still felt that I lacked quality in some of my plays and should have contributed to the team more. In the next match, I need to play with clear intent. I am looking to find better positions to receive the ball as well as deciding when to attack or connect passes in midfield and control the game as well.

André VILLAS-BOAS, Coach (Shanghai SIPG)
Today we created plenty of scoring opportunities and attempted several fine shots at goal. We certainly had a chance of winning the game, and I am slightly disappointed that we only earned a point at the end. With this result (1-1), both sides have a chance of advancing to the final, but Urawa have a slight advantage over us from scoring an away goal. We have a lot to do before the next match. We need to make a good preparation and win it by scoring away goals before advancing to the final.

Tournament Period：24 January 2017 (Tue.) ～ 25 November 2017 (Sat.)

Second Leg of Semi-final
18 October 2017 (Wed.) 19:30 Kick-off
Saitama Stadium 2002
Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) vs Shanghai SIPG (China)

Tournament Information