Shanghai Shenhua storm to top of CSL standings after 3-1 win over Meizhou Hakka

Shanghai Shenhua stormed to the top of the Chinese Super League (CSL) table with 26 points after a commanding 3-1 victory over Meizhou Hakka in the 11th round on Tuesday. The win puts Shenhua level on points with second-placed Chengdu Rongcheng, but ahead on goal difference.

The visitors came close to opening the scoring in the 31st minute when Saulo Mineiro unleashed a thunderous strike, only to see his effort cannon back off the crossbar. However, Shenhua broke the deadlock right on the hour mark after a chaotic goalmouth scramble, with Liu Chengyu reacting quickest to poke home from close range.

The lead was doubled just five minutes later when Wilson Manafa delivered a pinpoint cross for Mineiro, who powered a header past the Meizhou goalkeeper.

The hosts pulled one back in the 85th minute through Yue Tze Nam's well-placed low drive, setting up a tense finale. But any hopes of a late comeback were dashed in stoppage time when Mineiro turned provider, sprinting clear on the counter before squaring for Yang Haoyu to tap into an empty net.

The 3-1 victory sends Shenhua to the summit of the CSL, while Meizhou remain 10th after another disappointing result.

"We just lost a game and want to regain our confidence with a victory. We are challenged by the weather condition and the field during the match. But we are lucky enough to win it. I played my normal level and hope to score more goals for my team." Said Liu, who opened the scoring.