WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS - ASIA'S NEWEST MARQUEE CLUB

Guangzhou's manager giving the Egyptian ref some lip.

Western Sydney Wanderers have shocked the continent. Wests downed current Asian champs Guangzhou Evergrande overnight, in a match that had all the hallmarks of a classic. There was cut and thrust on the field, pure passion in the stands, and temper tantrums on the sidelines, as Marcello Lippi lost his rag in the latter stages.

After dominating the first half with their classy midfield, boasting Elkeson and Diamanti, the Chinese outfit was steamrolled in the second half. Guangzhou finished the match with a dominant 56 percent possession statistic, but the visitors produced less shots on goal than the red and black. For all their class and lack of 'fiscal restraint', Guangzhou just couldn't break down the out of season Wanderers. Not even tattooed right back Zhang, Linpeng could get beyond the well marshalled and willing defence. 

In the 60th minute the Wanderers shocked everyone, (except those that live in another reality) when they went ahead. The goal came via an innocuous looking cross that appeared manageable for your average weekend warrior, but Tom Juric's faint deflection was enough to steer the ball beyond the keeper's grasp. It's possible the keeper's vision was obstructed by his teammate Kim, Young-Gwon, who was tracking Juric. 

From that point on the temperature just continued to rise. Finally it all boiled over when Zhang, Linpeng was fouled by Iacopo La Rocca. La Rocca had jostled with Zhang until the referee blew his whistle, but in a sign of the frustration the champions were feeling, Zhang lashed out (with his back to La Rocca) and hit his opponent flush on the face with a backhander. Without hesitation Egyptian ref Mohamed Hassan flashed his red card at the right-back, kicking off a kerfuffle that didn't want to end. 

Already down to ten, things got worse for Guangzhou two minutes later. Wanderers' new signing Vitor Saba milked a foul after substitute Liu retaliated to an errant elbow from the wiry midfielder. A fraction of a second later as Saba hit the deck, Gao, Lin arrived on the scene. The striker tried to pull up - caught by surprise at Saba's theatrics - and did well to merely graze the Brazilian as he propped on his left leg. But once again referee Hassan saw red.

Saba writhes in 'pain' while Gao Lin sees red.

And so it was that mayhem ensued. Within the blink of an eye, Guangzhou's esteemed Italian manager was invading the pitch to give little Hassan some lip. It may have been deserved but Lippi can expect to be banished to the stands for the second leg. Along with a manager in the stands, Guangzhou will be without their 'go-to' striker Gao, Lin and defender Zhang, Linpeng. 

Next week sees the return leg, and it's a promoters dream. Australia's team from the football heartland, taking on the continental heavyweights, in their backyard. Vitally Wanderers go to China not having conceded an away goal, and carrying a 1-0 lead. 

CAN GUANGZHOU BE THE BEST FOREVER AGAIN?

Guangzhou celebrate Asian Champions League glory 2013.

Guangzhou Evergrande have won the last three Chinese Super League titles, along with a Chinese FA Cup in 2012, and last year's Asian Champions League crown. In his first full season as manager Marcello Lippi steered the team to the league title by a mere 18 points. But with a number of regular starters leaving the club this season, and the capture of Dejan Damjanovic by Beijing Guoan, suddenly the tigers of the south have some competition.

Beijing Guoan now trail the champions by just four points and importantly the team from the capital have a game in hand. Since returning from the summer break Beijing have captured seven of a possible twelve points. Not exactly a competition winning statistic, but the points surrendered were away from home and early in the Damjanovic era. And while Beijing's 3-0 win over Shanghai last weekend was a little flattering the green team have only one competition to focus on, unlike Guangzhou Evergrande.

With new co owners Alibaba (50% stake), Guangzhou have no problems when it comes to player recruitment, however, player retention is a problem. In 2014 Asia's number one team has had to deal with the exit of Dario Conca (off season), and club record goal scorer Muriqui (summer break). To expect Guangzhou to be as good a team as they were last year when the aforementioned were at their peak, is asking a lot. Yes, the tigers have splashed out on Alessandro Diamanti, and added another Italian Alberto Gilardino, but for all their experience it's rare that players arrive and blend with their new teammates immediately. Former Dalian Aerbin defender Li, Xuepeng is one who hasn't blended seamlessly with his new teammates. His recent arrival has coincided with the club conceding five goals in their last two matches.

For Guangzhou Evergrande to continue their dominance they'll be expected to win the Chinese Super League and the Asian Champions League. Their next assignment in the ACL (20th August) is Western Sydney Wanderers. Along with the nine hour flight, Wanderers should prove to be a stubborn opponent. Domestically Guangzhou's opponents can benefit no matter what the outcome of the two legged ACL quarter final. If they win, Guangzhou will be caught up in continental travel and a busy playing schedule. If they lose, the bubble around the team/club may finally burst.

These are interesting times for Guangzhou and if they're to 'be the best forever' in 2014, as their slogan says, it will take some quick adapting from their most recent arrivals.