Macarthur Bulls have lift-off in the AFC Champions League Two after taking down Chinese Super League powerhouse Beijing Guoan 3-0.
After a 2-1 loss away to Hong Kong’s Tai Po on matchday one, 2024 Australia Cup champions Macarthur responded with a big ACL Two win at Campbelltown Stadium on Thursday night.
The Bulls proved too clinical for a Beijing outfit led by former Barcelona head coach Quique Setien, with Tomislav Uskok, Chris Ikonomidis and new signing Sime Grzan on the scoresheet in Group E.
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Ikonomidis set the tone with his fourth-minute opener before veteran defender Uskok doubled the lead approaching the hour mark. Then, Croatian recruit Grzan capped the scoring in the final minute of regulation time – his first goal for Macarthur.
“It feels good considering how we started the campaign,” Sterjovski told reporters with the Bulls next in action in Round 1 of the Isuzu UTE A-League season against Brisbane Roar on October 17.
“We knew it was going to be a big match against a very good team but I thought we performed really well.
“We didn’t have a lot of the possession but I feel like we were able to control what they did and limit the chances they had. Tonight we took our chances.”
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Macarthur are third in Group E, a point behind leaders Cong An Hanoi FC and level on points with Beijing.
Sterjovski: “I feel like the mentality of the boys was different. IT felt different.
“I could feel they were up for this match and ready, and wanting to turn things around from our first match in Hong Kong.”
While Grzan celebrated his maiden Bulls goal, there was also a debut for Mexican forward Rafael Duran off the bench.
“I thought he did really well, considering he’s only been here for a few weeks. He’s settled in really well,” Sterjovski said.
“I think he still has a little bit to go in terms of his fitness and sharpness. But, I think he’s already showed his qualities. I think he’s going to be an exciting player for us.”
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Three academy players were also in the starting XI – Will McKay, Dean Bosnjak and Oliver Randazzo, while Zane Helweh featured as a second-half substitute.
“It’s a credit to the club and the direction we’re going with, developing our youth,” Sterjovski added.
One player who did not feature was former Premier League striker and South Korean star Ji Dong-won.
Macarthur pulled off a coup by recruiting the ex-Sunderland forward but he is yet to debut for the Bulls, and Socceroos great Sterjovski provided an update on the 34-year-old.
“I think he’s back into full training as of tomorrow (Friday),” he said.
“So, hopefully in the next game he will definitely get minutes for us.”