Dalian edge Shenzhen 2-0 to end losing streak
CGTN
Dalian Yifang's Spanish coach Rafael Benitez inspires his footballers to score during the CSL game against Shenzhen FC in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, September 21, 2019. /VCG Photo

Dalian Yifang's Spanish coach Rafael Benitez inspires his footballers to score during the CSL game against Shenzhen FC in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, September 21, 2019. /VCG Photo

Rafael Benitez's Dalian Yifang won over Shenzhen FC 2-0 on Saturday, putting an end to the team's three-game losing streak in the 25th round Chinese Super League (CSL).

Zheng Long broke the deadlock for Dalian in the 37th minute through a close-range header.

Marek Hamsik almost built a two-goal-advantage at the beginning of the second half, but his powerful shot was denied by Shenzhen's goalkeeper Guo Wei.

Dong Yanfeng then earned his season ground-breaking in the 79th minute through a tackle-shot in penalty area to seal the victory.

Failing to pull one back before the final whistle, the newly-promoted Shenzhen team was pushed closer to relegation, sitting 14th in the 16-team league temporarily.

Players of Dalian Yifang celebrate scoring their second goal during the CSL game against Shenzhen F.C. in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, September 21, 2019. /VCG Photo

Players of Dalian Yifang celebrate scoring their second goal during the CSL game against Shenzhen F.C. in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, September 21, 2019. /VCG Photo

Although Shandong Luneng edged Shanghai SIPG 3-1 in the 24th round CSL game, when facing against the other CSL team from Shanghai, Shandong played to a 2-2 draw with Shanghai Greenland Shenhua on Saturday.

Cao Yunding forced Shandong's Zhang Chi to suffer an own goal in the 8th minute. And the former Chinese international's powerful free-kick found the net in the 11th minute, putting the score to 2-0 after a blitz.

Liu Binbin of Shandong narrowed the gap to one in the 19th minute after receiving Duan Liuyu's accurate through pass. In the 58th minute, former Belgium international Marouane Fellaini finished the goal-thriller by a fantastic diving header.

With the draw, Shandong kept an unbeaten record against Shanghai Greenland Shenhua in the season's CSL games. The clashes of the two sides will continue in the season's Chinese Football Association Cup finals later this year.

In the other game played on Saturday, Hebei China Fortune saw off Tianjin Teda 2-1.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency