Kashiwa Reysol appear poised to march on in the AFC Champions League, after Leandro’s brace helped them beat Suwon Samsung Bluewings 3-2 in the round of 16’s first leg.

Tuesday’s victory had been all the more impressive since it was the Koreans who had gone in front in the first minute through Yeom Ki-hun’s opener from close range.

The goal failed to deflate Reysol however, and Akimi Barada capitalised on team-mate Leandro’s magnificent pass by slotting pass Suwon goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong in the 12th minute.

It was the Leandro show at Suwon World Cup Stadium after that, the striker putting Tatsuma Yoshida’s men into the lead with a precise penalty, before being left with a simple finish after another piece of skill from compatriot Cristiano down the wing to make it 3-1.

Reysol risked collapse later following Jong Tae-se’s goal to halve the deficit, but clung on for the away victory that leaves them favourites to progress to the quarter-finals next week.