Aspire Academy delivered a composed performance in their opener at Al Kass 2018, drawing 1-1 against a rejuvenated Guangzhou Evergrande side, who showed few aftereffects following their 4-0 reverse to Benfica the previous evening.
Aspire started brightly, only for their smooth approach play to be stifled by the tough-tackling Guangzhou backline.
In their initial Al Kass outing, Evergrande had managed only one shot on target, and their attacking intent remained distinctly limited in the opening period of their second match, as they struggled to contain an assured Aspire side.
In contrast to the previous evening, however, Guangzhou