Alexandro Pato and Axel Witsel flop on Chinese Super League debut as Tianjin Quanjian lose opener 2-0
ALEXANDRE PATO endured a nightmare debut in the Chinese Super League with FOUR big misses as Tianjin Quanjian lost their opener.
Guangzhou R&F had lost some of their best players in the January transfer window and were expected to lose to their star-studded hosts.
Fabio Cannavaro shakes hands with his opposing manager before kick-off
Managed by Fabio Cannavaro, Tianjin were expected to challenge, having signed Axel Witsel as well as Pato — and they even made an ambitious bid to buy Wayne Rooney.
But they were cut down to size when Guangzhou took the lead after just 29 minutes.
Cannavaro was a world class defender in his day, but it’s clear his instructions are not being understood by his players as Xiao Jie was left completely unmarked to head home the opener.
As well, as big-name players who made their names in Europe, Tianjin also boasted China’s most expensive goalkeeper in Zhang Lue.
Axel Witsel in action for Tianjin Quanjian on his Chinese Super League bow
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Despite their star-studded line-up, Tianjin Quanjian failed to score on league bowA goal in each half earned Guangzhou R F a 2-0 victory over Tianjin Quanjian
However, he had a shocker as his horrendous goal-kick fell to Renatinho, who eventually made it 2-0.
Tianjin went forward with purpose as they looked to score their first goal in the 2017 Chinese Super League season.
But were guilty of some poor finishing — Pato the guiltiest of the lot.
The former AC Milan and Chelsea frontman was presented with four opportunities, but each time, either missed the target, or shot straight at goalkeeper, Cheng Yuelei.
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