Guangzhou Evergrande remain on course for an unprecedented treble after they won 1-nil in the capital to lead Beijing Guoan heading into the second leg of their F.A. cup semifinal.

Muriqui’s goal in the 80th minute gives them a goal to defend for the return on Wednesday.

Evergrande already have the title and the continental championship in the bag.

They are an omminous sight for the opposition but Guoan were unbeaten at home this season and their fans would have love nothing more than to deny Evergrande.

There is a little bit of jealousy and those fans were not pleased when this challenge on Zhang Xizhe was not deemed to be a foul by the referee and no penalty was given.

The visitors had a great chance 25 minutes in.

Gao Lin floats in the cross and Elkeson cant quite reach it and Guoan keeper Yang Zhi keeps it out.

The tackles began flying in after that Zhang Xizhe dived in and won the ball but injured himself in the process and had to be replaced by Shao Jiayi. The loss of one of their best players a huge blow for Beijing.

As the game went on, it becomes increasingly physical.

The referee had his hands full as both teams put in some rough challenges.

Beijing’s Zhang Xinxin went in hard on Muriqui his challenge angered the Brazilian who pushes Zhang in the face but escapes with a yellow card.

Guangzhou pressed for the lead after the intermission.

Dario Conca’s long shot comes back off the woodwork.

Gao Lin also went close with this effort.

The deadlock was finally broken ten minutes from time.

Superb team work from Conca, Muriqui and Elkeson.

The three foreigners combine to produce a sublime goal.

Muriqui the scorer 1-nil to Guangzhou.

The hosts for an equalised but they were restricted to few chances this freekick went wide from Freddie Kanoute and Beijing rearly got a sight of Giangzhou’s goal.

Beijing striker Joffre Guerron was desperate to be introduced from the bench so much so he started arguing with coach, Aleksandar Stanojevic.

But the equaliser didn't come and now Guoan have to may a remarkable comeback if they are to meet Guizhou in the final.

Evergrande keep up their remarkable run.

"I’m very satisfied with this match. Though I know we have to prepare the second leg, this win brings me satisfaction. The victory means a lot to us as we have won the league, and the AFC Champions League title earlier this month. The national team selected 9 players from our squad for the Asian Cup qualifiers. They came back just two days ago. Facing such a tough opponent, our players provided an excellent performance. I must say our team have the perfect attitude," Marcello Lippi, Guangzhou Evergrande Head Coach, said.

"The goal gives Evergrande a strong position, but there is still one match to play. Our situation is crystal clear. We have make a comeback, we must score on the road. I hope our players will strive for that," Aleksandar Stanojevic, Beijing Guoan Head Coach, said.

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