Chinese Super League squad Shandong Luneng Taishan FC booked a spot in the 2016 AFC Champions League Group Stage after defeating A-League team Adelaide United FC, 2-1, in the qualifying playoffs of the said tournament.

In a game held at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide, South Australia, the visitors relied on a quick start to surprise the hosts with striker Yang Xu and Brazilian Diego Tardelli scoring one goal each in the first 39 minutes of the match to reach the halftime break up by two points.

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The Australians tried to fight back, dominating ball possession in the second half, but the Orange fighters' defense were able to hold off all of United's attacks to keep their comfortable lead.

Adelaide was able to make the ending an exciting one in front of a jampacked crowd of more than 8,000 when Spanish striker Sergio Cirio netted one right at the 90th minute. The home team tried to pull off an equalizer in injury time, but they were unable to find one as Mano Menezes' boys celebrated, as reported by Xinhuanet.

The Reds were actually the first one to attack when defender Dylan McGowan jabbed the ball in the opening minutes following a goal-line scramble, but Shandong defender Dai Lin was able to swat it away.

The missed opportunity proved to be costly for United with a turnover in the middle of the field three minutes later, which allowed Shandong midfielder Walter Montillo to slide past two Adelaide defenders.

Montillo was able to move close to goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic and launch a shot, which the Reds team captain successfully deflected. However, Yang was there for the second chance header to put the CSL side up 1-0.

Leading by two with 20 minutes left in the match, Shandong was penalized a man down when forward Wang Yongpo was given a second yellow card and sent off the field, but the Adelaide was not able to take advantage.

Tags2016 AFC Champions League qualifiers, Shandong Luneng Taishan FC, Adelaide United FC, China Football, China football news 2016