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03/28/2024 07:10:29 pm

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AFC Champions League 2017: Jiangsu Suning Nips Adelaide United, 2-1, with Alex Teixeira Brace

Jiangsu Suning striker Alex Teixeira (R) goes against Adelaide United goalkeeper Daniel Margush

(Photo : Getty Images) Alex Teixeira led Jiangsu Suning to a 2-1 win over Adelaide United at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre on Wednesday.

Brazilian winger Alex Teixeira led Chinese Super League runners-up Jiangsu Suning to a tough 2-1 victory over A-League champions Adelaide United in the second round of 2017 AFC Champions League Group H competitions held at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre on Wednesday.

Teixeira, who was acquired by Jiangsu in January of last year from Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk for a then Chinese transfer record deal of $52.5 million, netted a brace to help head coach Choi Yong-soo's squad secure their second straight victory in the tournament.

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Jiangsu put the pressure right from the start, but the Reds were able to fend off all attacks during the first ten minutes of the match. Teixeira almost scored the game's opening goal with a free kick but Adelaide keeper Daniel Margush blocked the attempt.

The Brazilian striker was then able to break the game's deadlock in the 14th minute with a rebound goal after his compatriot Ramires' 22-yard strike was blocked by Margush, as per SBS. United almost netted an equalizer in the 20th, but Senegalese forward Baba Diawara's bicycle kick was wide off Zhang Sipeng's net.

Adelaide had a much better performance in the second half as the Australians made multiple chances to score. However, Jiangsu's defense held on to protect their lead.

Teixeira made it a 2-0 count in the 72nd minute with a goal from the left flank following a fast break play that saw him drift past one defender before going one-on-one against Margush, via Shanghai Daily. The Reds then scored a consolation goal in stoppage time courtesy of Australian forward Eli Babalj to avoid a shutout loss.

Jiangsu is now the solo leader in Group H with six points while Adelaide remained scoreless with two losses after two rounds of competitions. Jeju United and Gamba Osaka are tied with three points each for the second and third spots. Jiangsu will next face Gamba on March 15 at the Suita City Football Stadium in Japan.

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