Shanghai Shenhua climbed to the top of the Chinese Super League (CSL) standings on Sunday after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Changchun Yatai in Changchun, northeast China’s Jilin Province.
Shenhua took the lead in the 32nd minute when Zhu Chenjie headed home following a corner kick from Gao Tianyi. Just eight minutes later, Andre Luis threaded a precise through ball to Joao Teixeira, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, doubling the visitors’ advantage.
Changchun Yatai fought back in the second half, with Tan Long connecting with a cross from Zhao Yingjie to pull one back in the 53rd minute. Despite intense pressure and several attacking opportunities, Yatai couldn’t find the equalizer.
With this win, Shenhua now sits at the top of the CSL table with 38 points from 16 matches, three points ahead of second-placed Beijing Guoan, who have a game in hand. Guoan is set to host Yunnan Yukun on Monday and will face Shenhua in a crucial clash at the Workers Stadium on July 19.
However, Shenhua will be without Andre Luis for the upcoming match against Beijing Guoan, as he picked up a yellow card against Yatai, resulting in a suspension.
In other action, Chengdu Rongcheng, third in the standings, played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Wuhan Three Towns in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province. Alexandru Tudorie opened the scoring for Chengdu in the 15th minute but then scored an own goal, leveling the match. Gustavo Sauer put Wuhan ahead again in the 75th minute, but Wei Shihao’s penalty ensured Chengdu shared the spoils.
