Just before the match, Paul Sousa specifically mentioned the "water drop" protection. Unexpectedly, this rule continued. In the home game against Kasperai Reysol, Tianjin Quanjian, who made extensive substitutions, won 3-2. However, in the same group, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors also made a strong comeback. Tianjin Quanjian, who qualified as the second-place team in the group, couldn't escape the encounter with their national rivals Guangzhou Evergrande.

  Zhao Xuri scored twice

  For Tianjin Quanjian, which had already secured a spot in the next round one round in advance, the honor in the last group stage match of the AFC Champions League was more important than the performance. However, the stubborn side that Paulo Sousa had shown in his team formation earlier added more highlights to this game. It has been proven that the starting 11 of Tianjin Quanjian have undergone a major transformation. Apart from Kwon Kyung-won, Mi Haolun, Wang Jie and Zhao Xudong, who are still entrusted with important responsibilities, the other seven positions have all changed. These include Chu Jinzhao, Wang Xiaolong and Su Yuanjie, who were once in the rotation, Yang Xu and Pei Shuai, who have had very limited playing time, and the highly anticipated Pato. And Sun Qibin, who is making his debut for the team in an official match.

  Before the game, the betting company repeatedly changed its stance on the odds for this match. After the starting lineup was announced, Tianjin Quanjian once changed from giving the ball to accepting it, which shows that the outside world was not optimistic about this lineup change of the home team. However, it was precisely Paulo Sousa's "big change of face" that led to the smoothest game of the season. Especially the forward duo of Pato and Yang Xu worked in perfect harmony, constantly threatening the opponent's defense. The latter also successfully scored a goal to stabilize the team's morale, helping the team achieve consecutive victories in the AFC Champions League.

  "I would like to congratulate my players. Not only did they score, but they also showed the coaching staff their positive attitude towards the game, which laid the foundation for the corresponding rotation in the future." " The first major rotation was a success, and Paulo Sousa was in high spirits. At the post-match press conference, the Portuguese mentioned too many names, including the "mutual understanding" between Pato and Yang Xu, Wang Xiaolong's dual position, Su Yuanjie's excellent offense and defense, and Pei Shuai's improved form.

  Indeed, this match holds positive significance for the Portuguese player's future rotation. Especially Yang Xu's outstanding performance has provided more options for the key player of Tianjin Quanjian. Paulo Sousa is naturally not stingy with his praise, saying, "He has rich experience in major competitions and can score every time he plays against a Japanese team. I hope he can have such good performances in the future."

  Of course, in this round of rotation, the veteran players also made significant contributions. Especially Zhao Xuri, who scored twice, played a very good role as a metronome in the midfield. After the match, Zhao Xuri did not show up at the press conference immediately as he needed to bandage his wound. As soon as he appeared, the media rushed to ask questions. Regarding his hot touch, the veteran was very modest. "I get very excited every time I score. The tight schedule is a bit tiring for me. What we need to do is to recover and adjust as soon as possible and focus our energy on the next game." Hearing his favorite player's "complaint" in his heart, Paul Sousa couldn't help but joke, "This was the best game he played. The more he played, the better he performed."

  With the joint efforts of all the players, Tianjin Quanjian ended the AFC Champions League group stage with a victory. It is a bit of a pity that Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors defeated Jeonggi in the same group. Tianjin Quanjian, who advanced as the second-place team in the group, ultimately could not escape the fate of facing Guangzhou Evergrande. Not long ago, the team just met the dominant force of the Chinese Super League and suffered a defeat in the league. Regarding the future reunion, Zhao Xuri is also full of anticipation. "Evergrande is my former club. I have a strong bond with them. I get along very well with my former teammates. I'm really looking forward to competing with them on the AFC Champions League stage."