Shanghai Port has gone winless in 9 consecutive AFC Champions League matches spanning multiple seasons, making it difficult to break through in the last 4 games.

Special Contributor/Li Yun No surprises; in the 4th round of the AFC Champions League Elite, Shanghai Port suffered a 0-2 away defeat to Buriram United. This season’s group stage record is 1 draw and 3 losses with no wins, and across seasons, they remain winless in 9 consecutive matches, ranking last, making it difficult to advance.

In the first 3 group matches, Shanghai Port lost at home to Vissel Kobe and Machida Zelvia, and drew 1-1 away against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. After the 0-2 loss to Buriram United this match, Shanghai Port has now gone 9 rounds without a win in the AFC Champions League Elite across seasons, with a record of 2 draws and 7 losses in those 9 games. Their last AFC Champions League victory was in November 2024, when they won 3-1 away against Ulsan Hyundai.

After last round’s 3-0 home victory over Zhejiang in the Chinese Super League, Shanghai Port is just one step away from a third consecutive league title. Moreover, the final CSL round is scheduled for the 22nd, allowing a long break during which Shanghai Port can focus on performing well in the Asian competition. Many expect Shanghai Port to play strongly in the AFC Champions League and aim for their first group stage win this season. Naturally, Shanghai Port also hopes to end their winless streak with a victory.

At the pre-match press conference, head coach Muscat stated that the team urgently needs points: “To advance, we need to secure enough points. Tomorrow is a great test. I believe the team will prepare fully and hope we deliver an excellent performance to take a step forward.”

Regarding Buriram United, Muscat said he is very familiar with them, especially since he once worked with their player Thitiphan in Yokohama F. Marinos.

However, the reality is tough. Shanghai Port is hit hard by injuries in attack, with no forwards available: key attackers Leonardo and Gabriel are sidelined due to injury, Gustavo is suspended by the AFC, Liu Ruofan did not travel due to minor injuries, Feng Jin had a fever in Thailand, and Li Xinxiong and Kuai Jiwen are participating in the Guangdong 15th National Games. The team’s options up front are extremely limited.

Out of necessity, Muscat deployed a 5-4-1 formation for the starting lineup. When trailing in the second half, the only attacking substitute available was veteran Lü Wenjun, who has played less than 90 minutes in the league this season.

Shanghai Port’s defensive counterattack strategy lasted only 16 minutes before being broken down. Buriram United executed a wall-pass one-two at the edge of the penalty area; Subachai penetrated Shanghai Port’s box and scored, making it 1-0. In the second half, Buriram took advantage of a misjudgment by Yan Junling and scored again from a corner kick through Good.

Shanghai Port had chances but failed to capitalize. Wang Shenchao was active offensively in the first half with headers and kicks but lacked finishing precision, missing opportunities to score again. In the second half, attempts by Lü Wenjun and Xu Xin were somewhat forced. The biggest miss was in the 85th minute when Li Shenglong wasted an excellent header chance right in front of goal.

After the match, Muscat eased pressure on his players: “We are short on personnel and had to travel a long distance for this away match, so we can’t demand too much from the players. They worked hard and fought.” He added that the team created many chances but failed to convert them, resulting in a disappointing outcome.

Regarding injuries, Muscat said adjustments will be made: “There are about three weeks until the next match, so we will prepare thoroughly.”

After this round, Shanghai Port has only 1 point in the AFC Champions League Elite. The remaining 4 matches are home against FC Seoul, away to Johor DT, away to Gangwon FC, and home against Ulsan Hyundai. Last season, Shandong Taishan’s results were annulled, but Shanghai Port (8 points, 8th place), Shenhua (10 points, 7th), and Buriram United (12 points, 6th) retained their points. Based on this experience, for Shanghai Port to advance from the group, they must earn at least 7 to 8 points in the last 4 games, meaning they need to win at least 2 matches, which is quite challenging.