SYDNEY -- Coach Graham Arnold has his team at a 60-40 advantage, and winger David Carney reckons Sydney FC are in the driver's seat in their bid to reach the last eight in the Asian Champions League.
The Sky Blues hold an away goal and the balance of power ahead of next week's home leg in their round-of-16 clash with Shandong Luneng, with David Carney's first-half header ensured a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night in Jinan, China.
It's a major boost for Arnold's A-League side who, after a forgettable domestic season, have already made club history by reaching the knockout phase against the odds.
A scoreless draw at Allianz Stadium next Wednesday will be enough to extend that dream run into the quarterfinals. But Carney isn't prepared to cut it that fine.
"We're definitely in the driver's seat," Carney said.
"To get the away goal was awesome but by no means is it over -- it's only really half-time.
"We can't go for a nil-nil draw ... if it happens it would be great, but our mindset would be definitely to go and try to win the game."
Arnold believed the advantage was "60-40 our way with the away goal," adding that a long-haul flight from China to Australia would further fatigue an already tired Shandong.
Mano Menezes' side, ranked third-last in the Chinese Super League, have endured a heavy schedule in recent weeks and will play a domestic match against a superior Henan Jianye side on Saturday before flying on Sunday to Sydney.
While careful not to underestimate Shandong's quality, Carney counted it as another factor in Sydney's favour.
"Travel does take its toll on you," he said.
"We were running on empty at times at the end of the game because the travel plays its part.
"I'm sure that's going to happen with them -- they've got another game on Saturday then they have to travel.
"Hopefully, we get a good crowd on Wednesday and they really get behind us ... and we put the game to bed very early.
"It's going to be a hard game. There's still a lot of quality in their squad so we can't underestimate them.
"But hopefully, we can win and get to the final eight."
Sydney played well against Shandong but also rode their luck as the hosts wasted several chances and missed a penalty.
Although Brazilian forward Diego Tardelli equalised for the home team in the second half, Arnold said his squad played "exceptionally well" under pressure.