The Central Coast Mariners need to beat Beijing Guan tonight if they hope to qualify for the knockout stages of the Asian Champions League. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm AEDT.
The Mariners’ 2-1 defeat to Beijing in China has left the reigning A-League champions in a vulnerable position heading into tonight’s crucial encounter. Currently sitting last in their group, another defeat tonight for the Mariners could spell the end of their campaign in the Asian Champions League.
Beijing will prove no easy beats however, given how they outplayed the Mariners in China. Beijing managed to control possession very well and they created plenty of goal-scoring chances against the Mariners at home.
The Central Coast however, should be expected to come out with a lot more purpose in attack given that tonight’s contest really is a must-win match.
In their past two Asian Champions League matches, the Mariners have opted to play on the counter attack against Beijing and Sanfrecce Hiroshima respectively. Such a strategy worked wonders against Sanfrecce but it remains to be seen if such play will be replicated against Beijing.
Anything less than a win for the Mariners will hurt their chances of qualification to the knockout stages, so expect the Central Coast to try and dictate terms in possession.
Beijing however, are a fine counter-attacking outfit and will hurt the Mariners if the home side presses too high up the pitch. Indeed, Beijing’s second goal against the Mariners several weeks ago was a product of the Chinese outfit playing through a Mariners’ high defensive line that was caught with its pants down.
Given that the Mariners need a win, expect an entertaining and potentially high scoring-contest between two teams in pretty good form.
Beijing’s prowess on the counter however may just see them secure a valuable score draw.
Mariners and Beijing to draw 2-2
Stevo
Guest
Wow, excellent effort from HAL teams so far. We're not the worst league in Asia as some might like to think LOL :)
Alan
Roar Guru
The good times continue to roll for the Mariners as they earn a one nil victory over Beijing! Reddy the hero tonight after producing two clutch saves in the first and second half to keep Beijing at bay. Reddy saved a penalty that appeared to inspire the Mariners who went on to score through Seib, who volleyed home truly from close range. Mariners now on top of the group in the ACL and are full of confidence at the moment. Can they go back to back in the A-League and perhaps challenge for the ACL title? Thanks for your company and join me tomorrow for the UCL tie between United and Bayern! Mariners 1 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
95' - Through ball nearly catches out Seib but the Dutchman draws the foul and wins a vital freekick here. Mariners will hold on and win!!! FULLTIME Mariners 1 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
94' - Ibini now out wide and in space as well. Mariners with possession and only have seconds remaining here to hold on! Beijing with a long ball forward. Reddy though with possession Mariners 1 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
93' - Duke does well to win back possession. Fitzgerald now one on one with the keeper who comes off his line and does well to put off Fitzgerald and wins back the ball. Beijing still in this Mariners 1 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
91' - Time running out for Beijing now. Guerron fouled. 5 minutes added on Mariners 1 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Mariners with plenty of numbers a the back. Don't see Beijing getting through this wall. The penalty miss really hurt their cause big time. Reddy outstanding tonight when it counted. Mariners 1 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Mariners with the freekick. Trifiro comes on for Kim. Mariners well on course for yet another great victory at home. They just find a way the Central Coast. Beijing set to be the latest victims Mariners 1 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Attempted through ball to no one and Beijing build from the back. Mariners with a chance to go on the counter. Ibini with a poor ball forward and Beijing allowed to regroup Mariners 1 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Beijing build from the back. Guerron now gets on the outside here and he produces a good cross but its blocked. Another cross comes in and Beijing still with possession. Goal kick now for the Mariners Mariners 1 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Ball given away here and a pass is played through to Shao J.Y but the forward is offside. That's the seventh time I think they have been caught offside Beijing. 10 minutes to go now Mariners 1 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Game opening up a bit now as Beijing search for an equaliser. Mariners won't mind this. They are very good playing on the counter attack. Mariners win the freekick Mariners 1 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
What is it about the Mariners? They seem to always find a way to get themselves back up despite player departures and indifferent form. Once again they are producing the goods here. They could find themselves top of the group in the ACL and second in the A-League. Great culture and work ethic at the club Mariners 1 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Well Beijing made to pay for their earlier penalty miss and the Mariners have Reddy to thank for that. His efforts have inspired the Mariners. Beijing eager to respond now. Mariners 1 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Great volley there from Seip as he connects with a great cross into the area, finding the right hand corner. Keeper stood no chance! Beijing hit the lead and now will go back to the top of the group if they can hold on! Mariners 1 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
GOAL MARINERS - Cracking goal! Mariners 1 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
71' - Fitzgerald replaces Cernak for the Mariners. Duke now out wide but a poor cross allows Beijing to reclaim possession Mariners 0 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Reddy has saved two certain goals tonight and at the moment, he stands between Beijing and three huge points here! Mariners still in this! What a moment there! Can the Mariners use this to their advantage? Mariners 0 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Griffiths gets the yellow card and Beijing now with a chance to hit the lead from the spot! CHANCE BEIJING - What a save from Reddy down to his right!!! Mariners 0 Beijing 0
Alan
Roar Guru
PENALTY BEIJING - Duke with a cross but its over the head of Ibini. Mariners try to press but concede the freekick. Montgomery the guilty man there. Beijing build from the back. Good ball to Guerron here and he is brought down! Penalty!!!! Mariners 0 Beijing 0