Kawasaki were 2-0 ahead thanks to goals from Erison and Marcinho but Shandong fought back, with Akihiro Ienaga’s strike giving the Japanese side a narrow lead to take into next week’s return leg.
“It proved to be a challenging encounter. We were pushed into a corner by our opponents, but we managed to find our way and score,” said Oniki.

“While we had the opportunity to establish a two-goal lead, it was sufficient to secure the win. It was the players’ determination that allowed us to persevere, risking everything until the very end.”

Oniki expects his team to prevail in the return leg.

“We aim to approach the second game with the same level of intensity and focus. I expect the same determination from the players in the return leg.”

The winners of the tie will face the victors of the Bangkok United Fc-Yokohama F. Marinos Round of 16 tie in the quarter-finals.