Chinese clubs silenced their critics and even surprised their fans after coasting to victories against Japanese sides in the Asian Champions League openers yesterday.

　　Both shenzhen Jianlibao and Shandong Luneng grabbed 1-0 wins over Jubilo Iwata and Yokohama F Marinos, respectively.

　　Veteran shenzhen striker Li Yi headed in a corner from Lu Bofei in the 56th minute, while Gao Yao's 67th-minute close-range effort helped 10-man Shandong to snatch three points from Yokohama, which was playing at home.

　　The two victories came as a welcome relief to domestic fans, long frustrated by a chaotic domestic league and pathetic displays in international matches.

　　Domestic soccer is at an all-time low with squabbles, charges of corruption, wage delays and cost cuts almost becoming a norm. The national side also made an early exit from the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.

　　"We were determined to win the match," Li said after his team's victory over Jubilo in Shenzhen. "It was a vital match for us."

　　Shenzhen jianlibao has assembled a whole new unit after landing its first domestic league title - the inaugural Chinese Super League - late last year, including a new owner, a new coach and new players.

　　It made headlines off the pitch too for much of the season last year after its players claimed that they were owed wages for over six months. But despite the ruckus, it surprised fans and critics alike by walking away with the coveted trophy.

　　The club has since then changed ownership with Huizhong Tianheng taking over early this year. But the loss-making club still hasn't cleared all its dues forcing captain Li Weifeng and Li Yi to hold back on signing a new deal with the club.

　　Li yi, however, said yesterday that he was already in talks over a new contract with the club. "But as I started the match, I was not only representing my club but also my country and I wanted to do my best."

　　"I want to thank the Shenzhen fans first," said Li Weifeng. "There were too many things at issue here... both sweet and bitter. We haven't been paid for more than eight months now."

　　"Today's result shows that we still have the potential to do big things as long as we have the right attitude," said coach Chi Shangbin, who replaced Zhu Guanghu, now China's national coach.

　　Shandong, on the other hand, had no such financial crunch, lapping up inspirational midfielder Zheng Zhi from troubled Shenzhen.

　　Led by Zheng, Shandong players showed little signs of nervousness in their first Asian group match. But Zheng was given the marching order after receiving his second yellow from an overzealous referee, who flashed out seven yellows to the visitors. But despite the warnings, Shandong headed home with a crucial away goal against the two-time defending J-League champion.

　　Shenzhen next faces Korea's Suwon Samsung Bluewings, which thrashed Hoang Anh Gia Lai of Vietnam 5-1, while Shandong welcomes Thai club BEC Tero Sasana next Wednesday. BEC lost 0-1 to PSM Makassar of Indonesia yesterday.