Despite being without the mercurial Jasir Asani, Gwangju began the brighter of the two and had the ball in Port’s net in the 10th minute but Lee Hui-gyun’s effort was ruled out for offside.

The K League 1 gradually found their groove at Pudong Football Stadium with Heo Yool then sending a cross which had too much pace for Lee before Jung Ho-yeon dragged his shot wide from just inside Port’s penalty box.

Kevin Muscat’s time took time to settle with their first effort on target coming in the 32nd minute when Oscar’s corner kick found Wang Shenchao but the latter’s header was well fielded by Kim Kyeong-min.

Gwangju’s pressure was rewarded six minutes later when Heo received the ball with his back to goal, fell as he tried to turn but got back up to stab home with Port keeper Yan Junling stranded.

Port suffered a blow 10 minutes into the second half when Wei Zhen was shown a straight red by referee Ahmed Al Kaf following a VAR review for kicking out at Shin Chang-moo.

The 2024 Chinese Super League champions, however, refused to give up and restored parity in the 76th minute after Oscar was fouled in the box by Kim Jin-ho, with the Brazilian stepping up to convert the ensuing spot-kick.

Port ended the second half in the ascendency but were thwarted by a disciplined Gwangju side who held on for a share of the spoils.