Tianjin confirm 2018 Champions League berth
Kuala Lumpur: Tianjin Quanjian have sealed a berth in the 2018 AFC Champions League after sealing third spot in the Chinese Super League.
Tianjin's berth was confirmed after Hebei CFFC lost 5-4 to Shandong Luneng on Saturday.
Tianjin, managed by Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro (pictured above), richly deserved a spot as they beat champions Guangzhou Evergrande 2-1 to confirm third place.
Anthony Modeste of Tianjin Quanjian celebrates after scoring against Guangzhou Evergrande during their Chinese Super League match in Guangzhou on Saturday.
A win for Manuel Pellegrini-managed Hebei against Shandong would have sealed them third place.
Instead, Guangzhou, second-placed Shanghai SIPG and Hebei have taken three of the four places available.
Hebei could still qualify if SIPG beat Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese FA Cup final later this month.
Meanwhile, Guangzhou manager Luiz Felipe Scolari thanked the players and fans for their support for the freshly crowned Chinese Super League (CSL) champions.
Guangzhou last month wrapped up a seventh CSL title on the bounce, with two games to spare, and Scolari told the Tianhe Stadium via microphone on Saturday: "First of all, thanks to all of you for your support and company along the way.
"Thank you Guangzhou Evergrande for bringing me to China and to Guangzhou, where I spent two-and-a-half years' sweet time with you together," said the Brazilian, whose future is the subject of speculation.
Turning to his triumphant squad and with a sweep of his arm, the former Brazil and Portugal national coach added: "Finally, I sincerely thank these young men in front of me, you are the best."
Source: AFP
Source: the-afc.com
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