SEOUL (Interstat) — Seoul and Melbourne City FC opened their AFC Champions League campaigns with a 1-1 draw Wednesday at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

The match defied pre-game projections that heavily favored the home side. Jesse Lingard gave Melbourne City the lead in the 31st minute, assisted by Yazan Al Arab. Seoul substitute Takeshi Kanamori equalized in the 74th, set up by a Choi Jun assist.

The physical contest featured seven yellow cards. Both teams remain unbeaten with identical records of one draw in all competitions this season. The result leaves the Group Stage finely balanced after the first matchday.