Ten-man Beijing Guoan managed to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against Shanghai Shenhua in an intense Chinese Super League (CSL) showdown on Saturday night in Shanghai Municipality. The visitors extended their decade-long unbeaten league streak at Shenhua’s home ground.
Guoan struck first in the 11th minute when Guga’s free-kick from the left was deflected by Shenhua goalkeeper Bao Yaxiong. The loose ball found Dawhan, who delivered a precise pass into the box for Lin Liangming to head home, putting Guoan ahead 1-0.
Shenhua leveled the score in the 38th minute. Ibrahim Amadou set up Wu Xi, who broke into the left side of the box. Although Guoan goalkeeper Han Jiaqi blocked Wu’s initial shot, Wu regained possession amidst the chaos and slotted in the equalizer on his second attempt.
Just before halftime, Guoan faced a setback as goalkeeper Han Jiaqi was shown a yellow card for punching Jiang Shenglong in the face during a corner kick tussle. Shenhua was awarded a penalty, and Andre Luis confidently converted it, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead.
In the 81st minute, Guoan’s substitute Zhang Yuan was initially shown a red card for a tackle on Joao Teixeira. After consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the referee downgraded it to a yellow card. However, since it was Zhang’s second yellow of the match, he was still sent off, leaving Guoan with ten men.
Despite the disadvantage, Guoan refused to concede defeat. In stoppage time, Li Lei’s cross from the left found Fabio Abreu, whose powerful header struck the crossbar and ricocheted off goalkeeper Bao Yaxiong’s arm into the net. The own goal in the 93rd minute salvaged a crucial point for Guoan, ending the match in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
