GUANGZHOU, China, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Thanks to Yang Liyu's lucky winner, Guangzhou Evergrande beat Shandong Luneng 2-1 in the first leg of AFC Champions League knock-out Round 1 here on Tuesday.

Wei Shihao opened the scoring for the home side in the 10th minute. Zhang Chi equalized for Shandong just before the halftime break. Yang's effort in the 80th minute deflected off Shandong defender Zheng Zheng and went in to gift Guangzhou a home victory.

"I gave my special thanks to our team doctor who made me recover so soon," Wei said after the match.

"We may take some advantage in the first leg, but the second leg will be very tough," Evergrande coach Fabio Cannavaro said.