 This proved to be beneficial to Guangzhou as they became the first team in China to win the Super League three times in a row.The club also won the 2013 AFC Champions League in the final against FC Seoul, after drawing 2–2 in the first leg in Seoul and 1–1 in the second leg in Guangzhou, becoming the first Chinese side to win the tournament on the away goals rule.By winning the AFC Champions League, Guangzhou was assured a place in the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup, entering in the quarterfinals, beating the African champions Al Ahly 2–0.