AFP, SHANGHAI: Megabucks import Oscar began repaying some of his hefty price tag when he scored on his competitive debut for Shanghai SIPG, helping them seal a spot in the AFC Champions League group stage.
The Brazil midfielder, who quit Chelsea in a 60 million euro ($64 million) deal, rolled in SIPG’s opener in Tuesday’s 3-0 play-off victory over Thailand’s Sukhothai FC.
Fellow Brazilian Elkeson also got on the scoresheet as SIPG took their place in Group F alongside FC Seoul, Urawa Red Diamonds and Western Sydney Wanderers.
It means that SIPG, coached by ex-Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas, get a shot at Asia’s club crown, won twice by Chinese rivals Guangzhou Evergrande in recent seasons.