Shanghai Shenhua Defeats Changchun Yatai to Lead Chinese Super League
Shanghai Shenhua climbed to the top of the Chinese Super League (CSL) standings with a 2-1 victory over Changchun Yatai on Sunday in Changchun, northeast China’s Jilin Province.
Shenhua took the lead in the 32nd minute when Zhu Chenjie scored from a corner kick delivered by Gao Tianyi. Just eight minutes later, Andre Luis threaded a precise through ball to Joao Teixeira, who calmly slotted it into the bottom right corner, doubling Shenhua’s advantage.
Changchun Yatai fought back in the second half, with Tan Long heading home a cross from Zhao Yingjie in the 53rd minute. Despite mounting pressure and several attempts to equalize, Yatai couldn’t break through Shenhua’s defense again.
The win propels Shenhua to first place with 38 points from 16 matches, three points ahead of second-placed Beijing Guoan, who have a game in hand. Beijing Guoan is set to host Yunnan Yukun on Monday before a crucial home match against Shenhua at the Workers Stadium on July 19.
However, Shenhua will face a challenge in their next match without key player Andre Luis, who received a yellow card against Yatai, triggering an automatic suspension.
In other CSL action, Chengdu Rongcheng, third in the standings, were held to a 2-2 draw by Wuhan Three Towns in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province. Alexandru Tudorie opened the scoring for Wuhan in the 15th minute but inadvertently scored an own goal later, leveling the game. Gustavo Sauer restored Wuhan’s lead in the 75th minute, but Wei Shihao’s penalty for Chengdu four minutes later ensured the points were shared.
Other results from Sunday’s matches include Qingdao West Coast’s 1-0 victory over Qingdao Hainiu and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger’s 2-1 win against Meizhou Hakka.
