HONG KONG: Beijing Guoan hit the woodwork twice however have been unable to discover a breakthrough as Bruno Genesio’s aspect have been held to a 0-Zero draw by champions Guangzhou Evergrande within the first leg of their Chinese language Tremendous League playoff semi-final on Wednesday.



Renato Augusto and Cedric Bakambu each hit the woodwork within the ultimate 20 minutes of a powerful first half show by Beijing whereas Jonathan Viera additionally went shut within the dying seconds of the primary 45 minutes.

Guangzhou had ceded management of a recreation they'd earlier dominated by former Barcelona midfielder Paulinho and Brazil-born China internationals Elkeson and Fernandinho.

However Fabio Cannavaro’s aspect virtually stole the win 5 minutes from time when Wei Shihao thought his angled try from the left was destined for the underside nook, just for Beijing goalkeeper Hou Sen to push the ball to security.

The 2 groups face off once more within the second leg on Monday, with the winner assembly both Jiangsu Suning or Shanghai SIPG within the ultimate.

Earlier within the day, Jordi Cruyff’s Shenzhen FC moved a step nearer to avoiding relegation with a 1-Zero win over Shijiazhuang Ever Vibrant within the first leg of their playoff.

John Mary scored the one aim of the sport in stoppage time to depart Cruyff’s aspect needing a draw when the groups meet once more within the second leg on Monday.