The weekend saw some big results all over the country as Henan and Shenxin both helped their hopes of remaining in the top flight while Guangzhou Evergrande extended their lead (at least until tonight), to double digits over Beijing Guoan. Their crosstown rivals R&F will be disappointed as they fail to keep pace in the battle for 2nd place (and ultimately what might be the final ACL spot). The round ends tonight as Beijing hosts Guizhou Renhe.
Harbin Yiteng 0-1 Shanghai Shenxin
This was a crucial “six pointer” for both sides, and Shenxin came away with all three points thanks to a Yang Jiawei header early in the second half. The win moves Shenxin into the safety zone and is close to condemning Harbin to relegation this year.
Hangzhou Greentown 4-1 Shandong Luneng
Can anyone explain what’s going on with Shandong? After looking like they turned a corner having beaten Shenxin, they travel to Hangzhou and get crushed. For awhile it looked like a close match, Greentown opened up scoring but Zhang Wenzhao responded just before the half hour mark. Macena gave Hangzhou the lead a minute before halftime and from there it was all Hangzhou, adding two more in the second half and cruising to victory. Will this be the nail in Cuca’s coffin or will Shandong choose stability?
Guangzhou Evergrande 2-1 Tianjin Teda
The scoring didn’t start until the second half when Tianjin opened up the scoring, but the champions quickly had an answer. As seems to so often be the case, just when it looked like they’d drop points and give Guoan yet another opening, they were able to find a goal. This time the scorer was Liu Jian, whose extra time winner boosted Evergrande’s lead to 10, at least for the moment. Liu’s goal was a great way to celebrate the CFA’s decision in his favor and against his former club, Qingdao.
Dalian Aerbin 0-1 Shanghai Shenhua
Shenhua’s last victory outside of Shanghai was so long ago it was against a team that doesn’t exist anymore – Dalian Shide. Now, some 848 days later, Shenhua finally won outside their home city, and also in Dalian, this time against Aerbin. Paulo Henrique did the damage five minutes from time with a tremendous finish from outside the box after a fairly turgid game looked to be heading for a stalemate.
Liaoning Whowin 0-2 Jiangsu Sainty
It looked like Liaoning was going to come away with a much needed point at home, but it wasn’t to be, the match turning into the Roda Antar show late on. First, the big Lebanese midfielder broke the deadlock in the 85th minute, then he followed it up with an assist on a Wu Xi goal in extra time, giving the visitors all three points.
Changchun Yatai 1-2 Shanghai East Asia
You put Wu Lei and Tobias Hysen on the pitch together and the result is goals, that was the case once again Sunday night. Hysen opened up the scoring in the 15th minute and despite Changchun finding an equalizer, East Asia won it late, Hysen setting up Wu Lei in the 78th minute for the winner.
Henan Jianye 4-0 Guangzhou R&F
R&F came away with a big win to draw closer to second midweek, but losing like this to Henan is a rough setback. For Henan, the surprise win is an important three points in their fight to stay up, the large amount of goals surely helping as well.
Feck! I watched the last bit of the first half of HN Jianye – GZ Fuli. Saw both goals and then decided sleep was a better option.
Might have to stop watching – two losses in two viewings.
And what’s with that Poznan sh*t from the Henan fans? What a display of coordinated twattery!
In what way was their Poznan over the top? I think it’s become pretty well adopted around China. We’ve been doing it in Beijing since 2011 and I think a number of other supporters sections do it as well.
I just think the Poznan is inane. Why turn your back on the team you support?
Fair point Yiddo – but it’s a lot of fun to participate in.