Shanghai Shenhua's Wu Xi (#15) celebrates during their Chinese Super League clash with Hunan FC in Shanghai, China, , October 18, 2024. /CFP
The two blockbuster clashes in Friday night's Chinese Super League (CSL) were seen as pivotal in the title race, and Chengdu Rongcheng did not disappoint. Known for their remarkable resilience, they put on a spectacular performance by securing a 3-1 victory over the long-standing leaders, Shanghai Port, right on their home turf.
Meanwhile, Shanghai Shenhua, who had been trailing in second place, seized the moment by staging a sensational 2-1 comeback win against Henan FC. With only two rounds left, Shenhua now lead Shanghai Port by a single point and are in control of the two-horse race.
Shenhua faced challenges throughout their encounter with the formidable Henan side. Just after the hour mark, Nemanja Covic unleashed a stunning long-range effort, putting Shenhua behind for the second consecutive home game. Fortunately, two minutes later, Joao Teixeira capitalized on Wang Shangyuan's defensive error to level the score with a well-placed long-range shot. In the 89th minute, veteran Wu Xi rose to the occasion, heading in a golden goal from a corner to secure a narrow 2-1 victory for Shenhua. This marked Wu Xi's sixth goal of the season, setting a new personal record for goals scored in a single season.
Shanghai Port goalkeeper Yan Junling during their Chinese Super League clash with Chengdu Rongcheng in Chengdu, China, October 18, 2024. /CFP
The showdown between Port and Chengdu was equally full of drama. With Port's top scorer Wu Lei still sidelined due to injury, Feng Jin took his place in the starting lineup. Port's lackluster start saw Tang Chuang heading in a goal to breach their defense in the 21st minute. Seven minutes later, Chow Tim's acrobatic shot from a set piece doubled the lead to 2-0.
Although Matheus Jussa pulled one back for Port from a corner in the 32nd minute, Wei Zhen's catastrophic error, following his red card in the previous Shanghai Derby, proved costly. In the 43rd minute, his mistake controlling ther ball was pounced upon by Tang, who gleefully converted to make it 3-1.
Despite Port's desperate attempts to change the tide, Li Shuai hit the post, and substitute Wu Lei failed to make a significant impact. Ultimately, Port had to swallow a bitter 3-1 defeat, relinquishing the top spot in the league with two games to play.