CSL: Jiangsu Suning extend winning streak as Shanghai Shenhua soar
CGTN
Joao Miranda and Wu Xi celebrate their scoring for Jiangsu Suning. /VCG Photo

Joao Miranda and Wu Xi celebrate their scoring for Jiangsu Suning. /VCG Photo

Both Jiangsu Suning and Shanghai Shenhua claimed crucial victories in the 26th round of the Chinese Super League (CSL) on Sunday.

Wu Xi netted a double while Ivan Santini also found the net in Jiangsu Suning's 4-1 victory against Hebei China Fortune in Nanjing.

Santini opened the scoring for the hosts just 18 minutes into the game when the Croatian striker converted a pass from Teixeira inside the area.

Wu Xi made it 2-0 before Joao Miranda added the third goal to finish the first half 3-0 for Jiangsu.

In the second half, Dong Xuesheng had one goal for Hebei before Wu Xi doubled to seal the win for Jiangsu.

The victory helps Jiangsu Suning extend their winning streak to four rounds as they kept their hopes of a top-four finish in the Chinese Super League alive. Suning is now in fifth place, following Guangzhou Evergrande, Shanghai SIPG, Beijing Guoan and Shandong Luneng.

Shanghai Shenhua came from behind to soar past Rafael Benitez's Dalian Yifang 2-1 at Hongkou football stadium in Shanghai.

Dalian's Yannick Carrasco scored in just 47 seconds while Shenhua's captain Giovanni Moreno equalized for the hosts in the 24th minute with a header on Cao Yunding's assist.

Ighalo scores winning goal as Shanghai Shenhua defeat Dalian Yifang. /VCG Photo

Ighalo scores winning goal as Shanghai Shenhua defeat Dalian Yifang. /VCG Photo

Shenhua took the lead in the 38th minute when Cao had another assist for Odion Ighalo. The Nigerian volleyed the ball into the back of the net to give Shenhua a 2-1 lead before the break.

Dalian's head coach Benitez, who replaced South Korean manager Choi Kang-hee, did not hide his disappointment after loss.

"There were lots of fouls and breaks. Nobody is happy."

Choi Kang-hee, who replaced Enrique Sanchez Flores to coach Shenhua in July, was tasked with leading the team out of the relegation zone.

Shanghai Shenhua now rank 11th in the CSL standing on 30 points. Dalian Yifang is 8th on 34 points.

Meanwhile, Beijing Renhe rooted to the bottom following their 1-0 loss against Tianjin Teda, Henan Jianye edged Chongqing Siwei 1-0.