Wu Lei (R) of Shanghai Port celebrates with teammate Li Shuai after scoring a goal in a Chinese FA Cup quarterfinal match against Tianjin Jinmen Tiger in Shanghai, China, August 22, 2024. /CFP
Wu Lei was the star once again as China's top striker tallied a hat-trick to lead Shanghai Port into the Chinese FA Cup semifinals with a 3-0 win over Tianjin Jinmen Tiger at home on Thursday.
Three minutes in, Wu pounced in the box to give Shanghai the lead. The ball was tipped by a Tianjin player and Wu immediately showed his instincts in front of the net.
In the 42nd minute, Wu took a cutback pass from Li Shuai and scored his second goal of the game.
The opening minute of the second half saw Li find Wu again with a perfect cross and the forward headed home to complete his hat-trick. Port won 3-0 and advanced to the semifinals.
Portuguese midfielder Joao Teixeira (C) of Shanghai Shenhua battles for the ball in a Chinese FA Cup quarterfinal match against Beijing Guoan in Shanghai, China, August 22, 2024. /CFP
Defending champions Shanghai Shenhua hosted Beijing Guoan in Thursday's other quarterfinal. Shanghai took the lead 12 minutes in when Portuguese midfielder Joao Teixeira fired in a long-range shot.
The hosts extended their edge in stoppage time when Chen Jin scored to make it 2-0.
Guoan managed to find the net about a minute later when Zhang Yuning converted a pass from Cao Yongjing to set up a tense final few minutes, but Shenhua held on to win 2-1 and advance to the semifinals against city rivals Port, in what will be the fourth Shanghai derby this season.