Asue had been denied the opener in the sixth minute when FC Seoul goalkeeper Kang Hyeon-mu reacted quickly enough to push the Shenhua striker’s shot wide with his right foot as the hosts made a positive start.

Both teams struggled for fluency throughout the first half but FC Seoul almost took the lead seven minutes before the interval when Jesse Lingard played in Marko Dugandzic, but his first-time shot was palmed wide for a corner by goalkeeper Xue Qinghao.

The hosts threatened at the other end moments later, Kang pulling off a fine save low and to his left to keep out Wilson Manafa’s curling effort after the Portuguese winger had cut inside from the left.

With a minute remaining in the half FC Seoul went close, Dugandzic sending his effort over the bar from little more than a yard out as he met Kim Jin-su’s low centre from the left with a first-time strike.

Dugandzic was denied again five minutes into the second half, Xue tipping over a shot from the Croatian forward that was destined for the top corner after another Lingard through ball.

Seven minutes later the home side took the lead. Joao Teixeira found enough space on the right to send over a tempting cross towards the edge of the six yard box and Asue outjumped the FC Seoul defence to nod past Kang.

Moon Song-min squandered the opportunity to level moments later with Xue blocking the former Korea Republic international’s shot at close range while the midfielder’s attempted cross in the 66th minute almost crept in when it sailed over the goalkeeper.

Lingard was left frustrated with three minutes remaining as the former England international fired over the bar after picking up possession on the right side of the penalty area.

Luis put the result beyond doubt with a minute remaining when he was left unmarked to stroke home Manafa’s pass and cap a rapid Shenhua counter attack.