GUANGZHOU, May 23 -- Two-time AFC Champions League winners Guangzhou Evergrande beat Kashima Antlers 1-0 at Tianhe Stadium on Tuesday as the Chinese and Japanese champions met in the first-leg of the last 16.

Guangzhou returned to the knockout stage for the fifth time in six years with an unbeaten record in the group stage, while the visitors made their first appearance in the last 16 since 2011.

Although Guangzhou dominated the game since the beginning, Scolari's team didn't find a way to break the deadlock in the first half.

The Chinese Super League defending champions missed a golden chance in the 19th minute, as Brazilian midfielder Paulinho's fabulous passing put Alan clear of Kashima Antlers defence, while the 27-year-old striker's flip shot passed through the post.

Another Brazilian striker Goulart didn't find his luck either, even though his overhead scissors shot in the 83rd minute attracted eyeballs.

Kashima Antlers goalkeeper Kwoun Sun-tae made several saves to deny Evergrande's front line, but he could do nothing about Paulinho's 75th minute winner.

Paulinho shot the ball into the net in the 75th minute as none Kashima Antlers defenders managed to stop Yu Hanchao's corner into the area.

The second leg of the tie will be played next week in Japan.

【体坛英语资讯：Guangzhou Evergrande beat Kashima Antlers 1-0】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Kylie is new face of Tous jewellery

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Beach Bunny: At LA Fashion Week Spring 2008

★ 体坛英语资讯：Torres and Gerrard hand Liverpool win over Shanghai

★ 体坛英语资讯：Hingis dope tests may never be revealed

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Rome International Film Festival opens

★ 体坛英语资讯：Olympic basketball hopes in jeopardy: Yao

★ 体坛英语资讯：Valencia overcomes Barca 3-2 to reach Cup final

★ 体坛英语资讯：Table tennis queen seeks last Olympic ticket

★ 体坛英语资讯：Sprinter Gay, swimmer Hoff win top US honours

★ 体坛资讯：Yao Ming NBAs No. 1 center: Dime Magazine