Shanghai: Shanghai SIPG defender Wang Shenchao has admitted making the 2019 AFC Champions League's Round of 16 is of vital importance ahead of their crucial Group H clash against Ulsan Hyundai on Tuesday.
Since they first appeared in the AFC Champions League in their maiden tournament in 2016, Shanghai SIPG have reached at least the Round of 16 in all three Continental campaigns.
However, failure to win against unbeaten Group H winners Ulsan, coupled with a Kawasaki Frontale win away at Sydney FC, would see that proud record end. And so, China PR international Wang Shenchao is well aware of the significance of the tie at Shanghai Stadium.
"It is very important for us to win the match and go into the knockout stage," said the 30-year-old, who has been at the club since 2006.
"It is pivotal; we will need to play this match like it's a final.
"It would mean in four successive seasons we have experienced a good achievement in this best tournament in Asia by reaching the knockout stages. It would show we are becoming an experienced, mature team in the Continental game."
For a team that has only lost once in the 2019 edition of the AFC Champions League, and boast considerable attacking talent, it may be a surprise to some that it has come down to the last round of games to decide Shanghai SIPG's fate.
However, the Chinese champions' inability to turn draws into victories has seen them struggle with just six points from five games.
"Yes, we have only won one match so far in the Group Stage, but I guess that's because all four teams in Group H are really very strong," explained Wang Shenchao.
"It's not easy to get a win over any of these four teams. For example, Ulsan is so strong at both ends of the field either attacking or defending.
"They are unbeaten so far in the tournament and it will be very difficult when facing this team."
One difference-maker for Shanghai SIPG could be the form of captain and on-form forward Hulk, who scored a blistering brace on Matchday Five in the 2-2 draw with Kawasaki.
"Hulk is very important for the team," said Wang Shenchao. "He is our skipper and, of course, he is the cornerstone of the team.
"But SIPG always play as a team, not individuals, everybody come together as part of one 'machine'.
"We know the results may be affected by what happens in Australia between Kawasaki and Sydney, but we will only focus on our game against Ulsan, and will do our best to get the result we need."
Source: the-afc.com