Shanghai Shenhua avenge Chinese FA Cup defeat to Henan with win in CSL

Chinese Super League (CSL) leaders Shanghai Shenhua avenged a midweek Chinese Football Association (CFA) Cup loss to Henan, narrowly defeating their old opponents 3-2 at home on Sunday, while extending their lead over city rivals Shanghai Port to six points in the standings.

Henan had eliminated Shenhua 8-7 in a penalty shootout, following an intense 3-3 draw through 120 minutes in the CFA Cup quarterfinals, at Shanghai Stadium on Wednesday.

Facing off at the same venue again just four days later, the hosts dominated the early stages of the league fixture. In the 17th minute, Jiang Shenglong nodded in a header to give Shenhua an early 1-0 lead. Gao Tianyi's corner kick forced a good save from Henan goalkeeper Wang Guoming in the 36th minute.

In first time stoppage time, Henan's Bruno Nazario equalized through a penalty kick. But visiting defender Iago Maidana made a horribly-timed clearance mistake, causing the ball to bounce off Shenhua's Joao Teixeira. The Portuguese midfielder quickly seized the opportunity, putting the home side back in front 2-1.

In the 57th minute, Luis Asue extended Shenhua's advantage with a low shot into the net from close range. Although Frank Acheampong scored for Henan in the 76th minute, cutting the deficit to one, the visitors could not pull level again. Shenhua held on for the win, strengthening their grip on first place in the CSL standings.

Sunday's Other Results (Hosts Listed First):

Qingdao Hainiu 2-0 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger

Changchun Yatai 0-2 Dalian Yingbo

Zhejiang 3-2 Wuhan Three Towns

Shandong Taishan 3-0 Meizhou Hakka