BRAZIL star Hulk converted a late second-half penalty as Shanghai SIPG defeated two-time champion Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 2-1 in their Asian Champions League clash Sunday.

In an earlier match Sunday, Chinese power house Guangzhou Evergrande and South Korea’s Suwon Samsung Bluewings had scrapped their way to a goalless draw.

Hulk was a constant source of threat for the Jeonbuk defense. He stepped up to blast the ball into the net after fellow Brazilian Oscar, who had a clear path to the goal, was brought down as a last resort in the 82nd minute.

The fast-paced match saw both sides creating chances but it was SIPG that struck first to take the lead after 11 minutes.

Goalkeeper Chen Wei’s long clearance found Lyu Wenjun and the forward stayed cool to control the ball and drill it home with a crisp low finish.

Shanghai SIPG’s lead didn’t last long as Brazilian Gustavo struck on his competition debut in the 24th minute following an excellent move down the right flank followed by a defence-splitting cross from Kim Bo-kyung.

Both sides had opportunities after that before Hulk’s strike sealed the contest in the Chinese side’s favor.(SD-Agencies)