Beijing Guoan’s Joel Griffiths scored the winner as his side won 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory in the opening round of Group E of the AFC Champions League last night.

Former Newcastle Jets star Griffiths left his mark early in the 2nd half with a beautiful strike to give Beijing Guoan a well deserved victory.

Griffiths controlled a low cross from the right and beat goalkeeper Mitch Langerak with a low shot.

The goal followed a period when of domination from the Vhinese outfit who were playing at home in freezing conditions. Earlier on Victory’s Tom Pondeljak had brought the best out of goalkeeper Yang Zhi with a rising shot that was destined for the corner of the net.

Melbourne Victory pressed forward after falling behind but couldn’t develop any clear chances for goal.

Korea Republic’s Seongnam Ilhwa beat Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 in the other group match.