Skip to main content

China Wrap: Vagner Love hat-trick inspires Luneng

The Brazilian boasts four goals in the AFC Champions League this season and took his Chinese Super League tally to five during a fine performance at the Workers' Stadium.

Guoan had only lost once in the league heading into the encounter, yet the hosts were on the back foot as early as the ninth minute as the former CSKA Moscow man opened the scoring.

The home side's cause was hindered by a straight red card for Joffre Guerron in the 18th minute and Luneng duly took advantage as Vagner Love added a further two goals in the second half.

Goals either side of half-time from Feng Junyan and Gao Lin gave Marcello Lippi's men a two-goal lead and - though Firas Al Khatib grabbed a late consolation from the penalty spot - Evergrande saw out the win and retained top spot.

Elsewhere on Sunday, rock-bottom Harbin Yiteng remained pointless after surrendering a lead in a 2-1 setback at Hangzhou, while Liaoning Whowin's early-season woes continued in a 2-0 defeat at home to Tianjin Teda.