Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Shanghai Shenhua — ACL Elite

**Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1-0 Shanghai Shenhua**

**Playing Style:** Sanfrecce Hiroshima dominated possession (62% vs 38%) and controlled the game with a high volume of passes (525 vs 328) and a strong pass accuracy (82% vs 73%). They were more active in the opponent’s half, with a higher presence (71% vs 49%) and a greater share of passes in the opponent half (71% vs 48%). Their attacking play was characterized by more shots (19 vs 13), more shots on target (5 vs 4), and more successful crosses (9 vs 1). Shanghai Shenhua, on the other hand, focused more on defensive actions (81 vs 42) and had a higher share of defensive actions (66 vs 34). They also had more successful long balls (34 vs 26) and more clearances (53 vs 16), indicating a more defensive and counter-attacking approach.

**Strengths and Weaknesses:** Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s strengths include superior possession, higher pass accuracy, and greater control in the opponent’s half. They also had more successful dribbles (10 vs 8) and more touches inside the opponent box (28 vs 12). However, their big chances conversion rate was relatively low (20%), and they had more offside situations (8 vs 1). Shanghai Shenhua’s strengths include a strong defensive structure, with more clearances, blocks, and defensive actions. They also had a higher box entry to shot rate (108 vs 68), indicating more efficient conversion of box entries into shots. However, they had no big chances converted (0/1) and struggled with possession and passing volume.

**Conclusion:** Sanfrecce Hiroshima deserved the win based on their overall dominance in possession, passing, and control of the game. They created more chances (19 vs 13) and had more shots on target (5 vs 4), although they only converted one of five big chances (20%). Shanghai Shenhua, despite having a higher box entry to shot rate, failed to convert any of their limited big chances (0/1). Their defensive actions and clearances were strong, but they lacked the attacking quality and volume to threaten Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s goal. The final score of 1-0 reflects Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s superior control and efficiency in key moments, despite their relatively low conversion rate.