VIDEO: Chinese Super League's big stars fail to shine

Besart Berisha netted decisively from the penalty spot with 17 minutes remaining as Victory overcame Shanghai SIPG 2-1 in Group G, where the other match, between Suwon Bluewings and Gamba Osaka, ended goalless.

Jai Ingham opened the scoring for the host at AAMI Park before Wu Lei pulled Eriksson's team level early in the second half.

Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao began the defence of its AFC Champions League title with an underwhelming goalless draw against Pohang Steelers.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's team won its second continental title in the past three seasons thanks to a 1-0 aggregate final win over Al Ahli but there was no way though against their Korean opponent, with Jackson Martinez enduring a frustrating debut in attack after his club record move from Atletico Madrid.

"Jackson Martinez has been with us 12 days only and it will take time for him settle in," Scolari said. "We were not in the shape for playing real matches. We will work on it.

"A match every four days won't kill us, but we will play in turns for four or five positions due to tactical reasons, not physical reasons.

"We are still two or three matches away from having the right season vibe back."

In the other Group H match, Urawa Red Diamonds was deserved 2-0 winner at home to Sydney FC.

Yuki Muto capitalised on a defensive mistake from Zac Anderson to reward a blistering start from Urawa, which made sure of victory when substitute Shinzo Koroki won and converted a 65th-minute penalty.

Iran's Tractor Sazi stormed to a 4-0 victory against Al Jazira of the UAE in Group C, with Bakhtiar Rahmani and Shoja Khalilzadeh giving it a two-goal advantage within nine minutes.

Substitute Mehdi Sharifi added a third before Rahmani completed a brace as the hour approached, while group rivals Pakhtakor and Al Hilal played out a 2-2 draw.

A last-minute strike from Davronbek Khashimov ensured a share of the spoils for the home side at Pakhtakor Stadium.