Beijing earns one point away at Liaoning

Liaoning Whowin 1-1 Beijing Guoan
Chinese Super League Round 27
Zhao Junzhe 55′; Guerron 70′

In a clash that left something to be desired, Beijing and Liaoning split the points in Shenyang last night, both goals coming from less than stellar goalkeeping.

The first half was a sluggish affair with neither team putting a shot on target and the ball being kept in the center of the pitch. Liaoning was able to create a few half chances, with James Chamanga standing out but nothing too dangerous.

Ten minutes into the second half Zheng Tao played a cross through Guoan’s goal mouth, where Zhao Junzhe was left alone on the back post. The Liaoning legend knocked in his first goal of the season, but it was equal parts faulty defending and goalkeeping on the part of the Men in Green.

Beijing’s second half substitute, Joffre Guerron, had an instant impact when he came on for the still injured looking Freddie Kanoute, using his speed to create chances. His efforts finally paid off for Guoan as he got the equalizer with 20 minutes to go. It was a beautiful one touch volley from the Ecuadorian right through the keeper’s legs. While credit goes to Guerron, fault has to be placed on young keeper Liu Yang, who should have done better.

The home side tried to counter with a substitution of their own, and while 20 year old Hu Yanqiang put in an impressive performance, he wasn’t able to find the back of the net, despite a few good opportunities.

The split means that Beijing temporarily open a three point gap over Guizhou, who take on Shanghai Shenhua tonight, for the final ACL spot.