Cheng shines again as China edges Bilbao at Shanghai Future Star Cup

China secured its second consecutive victory in an exhilarating showdown at the under-17 Shanghai Future Star Cup, edging Spanish side Athletic Bilbao 1-0 as defender Cheng Shenghan scored the only goal of the game. Cheng's impressive form continued after he also netted the winner in his team's previous 3-2 win over English club Arsenal.  

The match was played at the training ground near the Shanghai Pudong Football Stadium, drawing notable attention from football fans. Chinese Football Association Vice President Xu Jiren, alongside the national men's senior team coach Shao Jiayi, and U19 men's team tactician Dejan Djurdjevic were in attendance. 

In the 14th minute, Xu Zhengpeng's corner found Cheng, who soared above the defense to powerfully head home what would prove to be the winner. The young defender's prowess in the air was instrumental, mirroring his last-minute heroics against the young Gunners just days prior.

China made three substitutions at the hour mark. Zhao Songyuan nearly doubled the lead shortly after entering the game, but his header struck the crossbar.

Ultimately, China held firm to clinch a 1-0 victory for its second straight win in the tournament.  With passage to the semi-finals already secured, the tournament host will face Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday in its final group stage match.