Suwon Bluewings got their Asian Champions League campaign off to a fantastic start by defeating Kashima Antlers 4-1.

The Korean champions took on the Japanese champions at the Suwon World Cup Stadium with the home team opening up their account on the stroke of half-time.

Li Weifeng netted in the 44th minute just moments before Goncalves Edu added a second to give the Bluewings a two-goal advantage at the break.

The score remained that way until the 82nd minute when Hong Soon-hak made it 3-0 to the home side and when Park Hyun-beom added a fourth just before full-time, the rout was officially over.

Some consolation for the Antlers came when Marquinhos got one back two minutes into injury time.

Suwon coach Cha Bum-kun was beaming after the match.

"I am delighted to have a big win in our first AFC Champions League game," said Cha.

"It was good to repay the fans for the support they gave us tonight and on the opening day of the K-league season when we lost. The players gave their all and a fine game was the result of their efforts.

"Nobody would have predicted that we would win by such a scoreline," he said.

"Kashima are technically very good both as a team and individually.

"If we had made mistakes in the second half we would have been in for a very difficult time and we have to make sure that we are thoroughly prepared when we go to Japan for the return match."