Shanghai Port beat Shandong Taishan to win first ever Chinese FA Cup

Shanghai Port defeated Shandong Taishan 3-1 in the Chinese Football Association (FA) Cup final in Wenzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Saturday, winning the tournament for the first time in club history and finishing the 2024 season with two championships after winning the Chinese Super League (CSL) earlier this month.

Both sides missed multiple scoring opportunities after the first half began. Shandong's Peng Xinli even beat Shanghai's goalkeeper Yan Junling in the area in the seventh minute, but his shot after standing up hit the post.

Shanghai netted first in the 37th minute in an attack from the right wing. Wang Shenchao's baseline cross was passed by Gustavo to Li Shuai with a smart touch before unmarked Li shot the ball into Wang Dalei's goal.

Shanghai extended their lead to 2-0 before the halftime break. Oscar's free kick was blocked by a defender but bounced to Feng Jin whose shot changed course after hitting Leo Cittadini in front of goalkeeper Wang.

Shandong cut their deficit to 2-1 in the 53rd minute. A poor clearance by Shanghai's defender landed next to Zeca on the edge of the box. His shot was too powerful for Yan to block and flew into the goal.

Shanghai continued to create chances but Wang was on top form, saving Shandong multiple times. However, his goal was broken for the third time in the third minute of stoppage time. Oscar intercepted a pass in the front field and passed to Wang Zhen'ao who broke into the box. Defender Zheng Zheng tried to stop his attempt, but deflected the ball into Shandong's goal for Shanghai to seal the deal.

Shanghai Port have become the fourth club to win both the domestic league and Chinese FA Cup titles in the same season, after Shandong Taishan, Dalian Shide and Guangzhou Evergrande.