Dongqiudi discussion: If Shandong Taishan reach the AFC Champions League semifinals, they could have a chance to face Tang Ye.
An interesting situation had emerged in this season's AFC Champions League knockout stage: Tang Ye's youth academy club, Shandong Taishan, and Al Hilal had been placed in the same half of the bracket.
That meant that if Shandong Taishan defeated Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and reached the AFC Champions League semifinals, they would become the first Chinese Super League club to meet Tang Ye in an official match.
After taking a 1-0 lead in the first leg at Jinan Olympic Sports Center, Taishan goalkeeper Wang Dalei and defender Gao Zhunyi shared their thoughts on the match with the media.
"Ha ha, damn it—cough, cough."
Realizing that he should not swear, Wang Dalei covered his mouth with a hand. "Korean teams really aren't easy to play against, but if we win, we'll get to face Tang Ye in the semifinals. I think that's a pretty good opportunity."
Gao Zhunyi agreed. "Even though we'll most likely be unable to beat Brother Ye's team, I still think it would be very interesting to face Brother Ye in an official match. We'll do our best."
"Alright."
The reporter nodded as the rapid clicking of camera shutters filled the scene.
"Dalei, recent reports say that United Development Group wants to send you to Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan's J1 League. Is that true?"
"Yes, that's indeed the case."
"UDG has always been sending Chinese players to Japan, South Korea, and Europe, mostly youth players. But I feel United Development Group wants to improve the national team's strength in a short period, so I've also been included in the plan."
Wang Dalei smiled bitterly. "The chance to develop myself in Japan's J1 League is certainly a good