Jeonju, South Korea, Oct 27: Two goals from Eninho sent Jeonbuk Motors into the final of the 2011 Asian Champions League with a 5-3 aggregate victory over Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad.
The South Korean side won Wednesday's semifinal second leg at Jeonju World Cup Stadium 2-1 after the visitors were reduced to 10 men.
Brazilian midfielder Eninho did the damage in the first half, following Naif Hazazi's sending off in the 11th minute. The Al Ittihad striker was shown a red card for headbutting Cho Sung-hwan.
Jeonbuk coach Choi Kang-hee, who led the team to the 2006 title, said the hard work had been done the previous week when the team came from behind to win 3-2 in Jeddah.
“This win came from the win away from home,” Choi said. “We talked before kick-off about how we wanted to try and settle the tie as early as possible and we were able to do that. The goals came at the right time. Eninho took the goals very well but it was a team performance and we are very happy with the result and making the final.”
Eninho opened the scoring in the 22nd, shooting past goalkeeper Mabrous Zaid from inside the area, and added a second 14 minutes later, curling a corner directly into the Al Ittihad goal.
Al Ittihad's Brazilian striker Wendel pulled a goal back with 17 minutes remaining.
Jeonbuk will either face Al Sadd of Qatar or fellow Korean team Suwon Bluewings in the final.
“We are not going to think about the final just yet but the players here are ready for the game and are mentally very strong, no matter who they have to play against,” Choi said. “We know that the final will be a tough match.”
Jeonbuk will be without captain Cho and Croatian striker Krunoslav Lovrek for the final as both are suspended.
