Japan's Kashima Antlers banished their continental phobia by humbling Shanghai SIPG 3-1 to take the edge in their Asian Champions League last 16 tie on Wednesday. In South Korea, meanwhile, Ulsan Hyundai squeezed past K-League rivals Suwon Bluewings 1-0 at home thanks to a second-half winner from substitute Kim In-sung. Yuma Suzuki pounced for Kashima from point-blank range just before halftime and Daigo Nishi added a carbon copy moments after the restart before a freak own goal from Shanghai defender Yu Hai on 75 minutes put the home side in total control.
Brazilian forward Elkeson snatched an important away goal almost immediately afterwards to give the big-spending Chinese club a glimmer of hope going into next week's return leg. But Kashima - Japan's most successful team with eight J-League titles to their name - will fancy their chances after only their second-ever win in eight matches in the competition's knockout stage. Shanghai, whose defeat by Urawa Reds in last year's semi-finals prompted Portuguese coach Andre Villas-Boas to step down, will rue missed opportunities after flying out of the blocks.
Former Chelsea forward Oscar wasted Shanghai's best early chance, the Brazilian acrobatically denied by Kashima's South Korean goalkeeper Kwoun Sun-tae after eight minutes with the goal at his mercy.
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