KASHIWA, Japan - Brazilian Paulinho marked his AFC Champions League debut in spectacular style with a stunning first-half free kick as former champions Guangzhou Evergrande took a huge step towards a return to the semifinals after winning Tuesday's quarterfinal first leg against Kashiwa Reysol 3-1 in Japan.

The Chinese Super League champions were handed the lead after just five minutes courtesy of an own goal from Kashiwa captain Daisuke Suzuki before mid-season signing Paulinho doubled the advantage before half-time with an eye-catching 40-yard set-piece.

Guangzhou, who beat Kashiwa 4-0 in their 2013 AFC Champions League semifinal first leg in Japan en route to claiming the continental title, added a third at the start of the second half through China striker Gao Lin.

Kashiwa striker Masato Kudo was able to pull a goal back inside the final minute, but Guangzhou will still take a substantial advantage into next month's second leg.