Football
ESPN staff 8y

Jackson Martinez, Guangzhou Evergrande arrive in Sydney for ACL

Guangzhou Evergrande's €42 million man Jackson Martinez admits that he doesn't know much about opponents Sydney FC as the reigning AFC Champions League (ACL) holders prepare for Wednesday's Group H match.

The Colombian striker arrived in Australia after two luxury Gulfstream jets helped Guangzhou land a day earlier than scheduled for their first away match of the 2016 campaign.

The game is viewed as crucial after both teams failed to win their opening fixtures last week. Sydney FC lost 2-0 to Urawa Red Diamonds in Japan as Guangzhou drew 0-0 at home to Pohang Steelers.

"Not much, just a little," was Martinez's response to Fairfax Media when asked what he knew about Australian football or 2015 A-League Grand Finalists, Sydney FC.

The visiting club have purchased 9,200 tickets to distribute amongst Sydney's growing Chinese community to give them the chance to watch Luiz Felipe Scolari's side in action.

They are looking to win their third ACL title in four years in 2016. Their streak was interrupted by Western Sydney Wanderers' shock 2014 victory, which was Australia's first success in the continental competition.

Guangzhou flew to Australia immediately after their 2-0 Chinese Super Cup win over Jiangsu Suning on Saturday night.

Martinez added that he was impressed with the professionalism of his new club after his Feb. 3 move from Atletico Madrid.

His fee of €42 million was a record for an Asian team for only two days before ex-Shakhtar Donetsk attacker Alex Teixeira signed with Jiangsu Suning for £38.4 million (€48.7 million).

Sydney FC, who have endured a six match winless run in the A-League, are expected to be without club captain Alex Brosque and fellow striker Matt Simon in Wednesday's match because of injury.

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