Chinese topflight unveils two-legged knockout format for title run-in

The Chinese topflight started its long-delayed 2020 season on July 25 after a five-month hiatus due to the COVID-19. /VCG

A two-legged knockout format will be used in the Chinese Super League (CSL) title run-in as the second phase of the coronavirus-disrupted season is set to kick off on October 16, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced in a press briefing on Wednesday.

The CSL started its 2020 season behind closed doors on July 25 after a five-month hiatus due to the pandemic. To ensure health and safety, 16 teams were split into two groups in the first phase, with all games being hosted at neutral venues in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province and Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The next stage of the tournament will also see teams being put into two groups. The top four teams in each city will enter the "Title Fight" group, while the bottom four sides will move into the "Relegation Fight" group. A three-round two-legged ties will be held to determine the eventual champions.

Guangzhou Evergrande's Brazil star Paulinho in action during their league clash with Shanghai Shenhua, Dalian, China, August 30, 2020. /VCG

It's worth noting that in pre-coronavirus seasons, the bottom two in the Chinese topflight are automatically relegated and the top two in the second division are promoted. The 2020 campaign will have only one automatic movers between the country's top two tiers, while the second relegation and promotion spots will be settled by a play-off.

The CFA didn't specify the location of the CSL second phase, which is scheduled to end on November 12, but it is understood that Suzhou and Dalian will still be the host cities.

Meanwhile, the 2020 Chinese FA Cup will start on September 18, with the CFA confirming that only teams from the first division are allowed to play.

Shanghai SIPG's Oscar scores a penalty during their league clash with Tianjin Teda, Suzhou, China, August 31, 2020. /VCG

According to the first-round draw, in Dalian, defending champions Shanghai Shenhua take on Guangzhou R&F, Guanghzhou Evergrande are paired with Henan Jianye, Jiangsu Suning face Shenzhen FC, while Dalian Pro host Shandong Luneng.

In Suzhou, Beijing Guoan are drawn with Qingdao Huanghai, Shanghai SIPG is up against Chongqing Dangdai, Wuhan Zall clash with Hebei China Fortune, while Tianjin Teda will be hoping to arrest their recent slump by wrestling with Shijiazhuang Ever Bright.