United City FC draws with Beijing FC in AFC Champions League debut

United City FC struck early but had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Beijing FC after conceding a late goal in their AFC Champions League Group Stage debut on Saturday in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Stephan Schrock knocked in a goal in the 28th minute of the game as the Philippine team took an early 1-0 advantage in the first half.

???? What a way to announce yourself on Asian club football's biggest stage!#ACL2021 pic.twitter.com/qn1PX5ikB7

— #ACL2021 (@TheAFCCL) June 26, 2021

But they were unable to hang onto the lead as Liang Shaowen curled in a free kick to tie the game at the 73rd minute.

With the result, United City FC, the Philippine Football League (PFL) champions, and Beijing FC both moved to the top of Group I with 1 point each after sharing the points.

FT | ???????? United City FC 1-1 Beijing FC ????????

???? It's a share of the points at the Bunyodkor Stadium with Stephan Schröck first-half stunner cancelled out by a sublime free-kick from Liang Shaowen.#ACL2021 | #UCFvBJG pic.twitter.com/vLHIaxKEEw

— #ACL2021 (@TheAFCCL) June 26, 2021

The Philippine team will have a chance to move ahead when they take on Daegu FC of Korea on June 29, Tuesday, in their second game.

Earlier in the day, another Filipino team debuted in the Champions League as Kaya FC-Iloilo battled Thailand's BG Pathum United, but lost, 4-1.

—JMB, GMA News