Sydney FC have kicked off their 2018 AFC Champions League campaign with a disappointing 2-0 loss to Suwon Bluewings at Sydney Football Stadium on Wednesday night.
In a disjointed performance, Sydney lacked their usual cutting edge with Graham Arnold’s side struggling to create clear-cut chances against an organised Suwon outfit.
And the Sky Blues’ lackluster display was punished with Montenegrin striker Dejan Damjanović netting a second-half brace to seal a deserved victory for the visitors.
Sydney FC have this weekend off in the A-League before travelling to China to tackle Shanghai Shenhua in the ACL next Wednesday.
FT | Not our night tonight as a second half Damjanovic brace earns the visitors the points. We go again next week in Shanghai! #SydneyIsSkyBlue #QuestToBeTheBest #SYDvSUW pic.twitter.com/RVTodjw8ro
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) February 14, 2018
GOALS
0-1 Suwon Bluewings: Dejan Damjanović, 62’
Damjanovic was afforded too much space outside the box with the striker firing a powerful effort past Andrew Redmayne and into the bottom corner.
0-2 Suwon Bluewings: Dejan Damjanović, 76’
Suwon were awarded a penalty following a Brandon O’Neill handball inside the box, with Damjanović expertly slotting the spot kick into the top corner.
STORY OF THE GAME
*EARLY CHANCE: Suwon almost capitalise on an error from Aaron Calver but Dejan Damjanović failed to get his shot away in time.
*SYDNEY MISFIRE: Bobo headed over with a difficult chance just before the half-hour mark before Alex Brosque missed a golden opportunity, completely missing his kick from inside the area.
*HALF-TIME: 0-0 at the break with clear-cut chances at a premium in the opening stanza.
*GOAL TO SUWON! Dejan Damjanović with a powerful low strike to give Suwon the lead on 62 minutes.
*GOAL TO SUWON! Damjanović nets his second from the penalty spot after a Sydney FC handball on 76 minutes.
*NO CONSOLATION: David Carney missed a late chance for Sydney with his mistimed header flying over the bar.
*FULL-TIME: Suwon too strong and hold on for a deserved win against a below-par Sky Blues.
FULL-TIME | @bluewingsfc off to a winning start in their #ACL2018 group! Dejan Damjanovic doing all the damage, scoring both goals against @SydneyFC ! #SYDvSSB pic.twitter.com/4Wx0gJYZyo
— #ACLElite & #ACLTwo (@TheAFCCL) February 14, 2018
