Guangzhou destroys Jeonbuk to climb on top of group

GUANGZHOU - Gao Lin struck twice as Guangzhou Evergrande notched up a 3-1 win over former champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors to move to the top of Group G in AFC Champions League on Tuesday.

Lippi was forced into a late change to his starting line-up as last season' s top scorer Muriqui was injured in the warm-up. The Italian replaced Muriqui for Gao and Zhao Xuri for Liao Lisheng.

Gao opened the scoring in the 17th minute before adding a second three minutes later only to see Lee Dong-gook to pull one back before the end of the first half.

But 20-year-old Liao Lisheng' s header from a cross by Alessandro Diamanti sealed all three points for the defending champions, who moved on to seven points from their opening three games.

"It was a tough game, I am happy we finally got the victory, but we were still seeking the unity, motivation as well as passion," Guangzhou' s coach Lippi said after the match.