The defending champions Guangzhou Evergrande took on Melbourne Victory in Group G of the AFC Champions League on Tuesday. The Chinese champions were hoping to seal their spot to the knock-out stage with a win, but came unstuck by the team they had beaten 4-2 earlier in the competition.
Evergrande lost to Jeonbuk earlier this month, but Lippi's team still led the group with seven points after four rounds.
The defending champs fell behind in the second minute here though. A defensive lapse there results in the ball being passed through to Jesse Mak-arounas, the Melbourne captain sloting it to the right of the keeper to put the Aussie side ahead.
Evergrande then had a great opportunity to equalise with Muriqui through on goal, 1-on-1 with the keeper, but the Brazilian fired straight at Nathan Coe in goal. Last year's top scorer in the competition was struggling to find his form this season, and Lippi looking a bit concerned on the touchline.
Evergrande came close again after the break. Again it's Muriqui who sees his effort denied by Coe in goal. And this attempted volley didn't come off either. So the hosts still led.
Five minutes later, and it's Coe again saving his side. Zheng Zhi with the step over and then the shot but a great fingertip save again frustrated Evergrande.
Melbourne Victory then sealed the win with a second goal in the final minute. After a string of quick passes in Evergrande's area, James Troisi completed a cool finish and made it 2-0, and that would be the final score.
The crucial win sees Melbourne Victory stay alive in the tournament. All four teams in group G now have seven points with only one game left.