Melbourne Victory thumped by Guangzhou Evergrande

A 4-0 loss to Guangzhou Evergrande has all but ended Melbourne Victory's hopes of progressing beyond the Asian Champions League group stages. 

After consecutive losses to start their ACL campaign, Victory's hopes of turning that form around hit an early hurdle as Guangzhou's Brazilian striker Talisca headed home after just six minutes.

The former Benfica and Besiktas striker then quickly made it two as he picked out the top left corner with a stunning curling striker. 

Kevin Muscat's side would find some footing in the contest after going behind but struggled to create any clear openings with Evergrande all but wrapping up the contest before half-time.

Yang Liyu making it 3-0 in the 42nd minute after a fast break lead by former Barcelona and Tottenham midfielder Paulinho. 

After the break, Guangzhou entered cruise control but would find a fourth goal in the 72nd minute as Matthew Acton could only parry a shot into Leigh Broxham with the ball bouncing off him and into the back of the net. 

Victory never looked like scoring as they crashed to a 4-0 defeat that leaves them bottom of Group F with no points after three games.