Chengdu Rongcheng stage late comeback to overcome Beijing Guoan in CSL

Chinese Super League leaders Chengdu Rongcheng battled from behind to claim a 2-1 victory against Beijing Guoan in the capital on Sunday, marking their fourth win from five matches to kick off the new season.

Before the opening whistle, Beijing's fervent fans unveiled an impressive giant tifo at the Workers Stadium featuring star players Fabio Abreu and Zhang Yuning. The artwork failed to inspire much-needed motivation, however, as the home side sought to bounce back from a disappointing loss to newly-promoted Liaoning Tieren.

The visitors made their intentions clear early, creating the first significant chance within the game's initial few minutes, only for Wang Ziming to squander a close-range finish that could have set the tone against his previous team. Abreu, last season's Golden Boot winner, later succumbed to injury and was replaced by Zhang Yuning at halftime, a critical blow for Guoan.

Zhang helped turn the tide, however, breaking the deadlock in the 63rd minute with a precise finish, marking his fourth goal in five matches despite the home side's broader struggles.

But just when it seemed that Beijing might nail down the three points, John Aloisi's Chengdu squad intensified the pressure and equalized. Wei Shihao's strike, following a fortuitous deflection off teammate Liao Lisheng, found its way into the net in the 84th minute to bring Rongcheng level.

Chengdu then seized control in stoppage time. Wellington Silva initiated a blistering counterattack, locating a wide-open Wei, who calmly slotted in to complete the comeback against his former club.

The victory cemented Rongcheng's position at the top of the CSL with a two-point lead, while Guoan remained stuck in 13th place, winless in their last four league matches.