Fabio Cannavaro’s star-studded Tianjin Quanjian side endured a unlucky start to the 2017 Chinese Super League season with a 2-0 defeat away to Guangzhou R&F, with goals from Xiao Jie and Renatinho.
Tianjin’s attacking force Alexandre Pato, Geuvanio and Axel Witsel were blocked with a performance of strong defensive organisation and a great Guangzhou goalkeeper.
At the other end, Xiao Jie’s header unmarked from a first-half free-kick netted in the first before Renatinho added a second after the break.
Fabio Cannavaro’s side had many chances after the break, with Brazilian Pato missing four golden opportunities to bring his side back into the game.
Tianjin Quanjian face away Shanghai Shenhua next in one week (11/03).
