The Western Sydney Wanderers have fallen to Chinese heavyweights Shanghai SIPG 5-1 on Tuesday night at Shanghai Stadium in their second group stage match in the 2017 Asian Champions League.
Shanghai found themselves 4-1 up after a hectic first half-hour, with Mitch Nichols managing to get his name onto the score sheet for the Wanderers, before The Red Eagles added a fifth in the second period to round out a 5-1 win.
It only took three minutes for Brazilian superstar Hulk to make his mark on the game after a cross from Zhang Wei enabled him to send a powerful header past Jerrad Tyson.
His compatriot Oscar, was quick to double the lead with Hulk providing the assist.
There was a glimmer of a Wanderers resurgence when Scott Neville cut back a pass to Nichols, who fired home from the top of the box to pull one back for the Red & Black.
Though Shanghai extended their lead just five minutes later when Shi Ke poked one into the net after Tyson couldn’t hold on to a powerful free-kick from Hulk.
Shanghai had their fourth when a mishit shot from Hulk found Elkeson free in the box, who tapped home to close out a frantic first half.
Despite the Wanderers putting in an improved shift after the break, Shanghai added a fifth goal when Wu Lei latched onto a ball in behind the defence and slotted the ball through the legs of Tyson.
The result sees Western Sydney sit bottom of Group F alongside FC Seoul, who the Wanderers will travel to Korea to meet in Match Day 3.
The squad now returns home for Saturday’s Hyundai A-League Round 22 fixture against Adelaide United at Spotless Stadium.
