Chengdu's title hopes suffer setback as Dalian wins 1-0 in CSL

Chengdu Rongcheng missed the chance to secure its first-ever Chinese Super League (CSL) title after suffering a 1-0 home defeat in a top-of-the-table clash against Dalian Yingbo on Saturday. The title race winner will now be determined following the conclusion of the league's final round of fixtures.  

Chengdu entered the 29th round of matches knowing that a draw would be enough to seal the title, but failed to capitalize on the opportunities against a determined Dalian side.

The host had a golden chance to take the lead in the 40th minute when Felipe stepped up to take a penalty, but the Brazilian striker failed to convert, leaving the match scoreless at halftime.

Dalian broke the deadlock in the 66th minute when Mamadou Traoré finished off a move set up by Nicolae Stanciu, giving the visitors a crucial advantage.

Chengdu pushed for an equalizer and thought it had rescued a point in second-half stoppage time, but Hu Hetao's effort was ruled out, allowing Dalian to secure a vital away victory.

The result left Chengdu atop the standings with 52 points, three ahead of second-placed Dalian, who kept its championship hopes alive with one match remaining. Chengdu will visit Shandong Taishan in the final round on November 8, while Dalian will host Tianjin Jinmen Tiger.

Elsewhere, Shandong Taishan defeated Wuhan Three Towns 5-3 in an eight-goal thriller that confirmed the home side’s relegation from the CSL.

Imran Memet put Shandong ahead in the eighth minute before He Guan equalized for Wuhan four minutes later. Brazilian forward Cryzan restored the visitor’s lead in the 18th minute and converted a penalty nine minutes later to make it 3-1.

Wuhan fought back in the second half through Jhonder Cádiz, who scored from the penalty spot in the 67th minute before completing his brace eight minutes later to level the score at 3-3.

However, Shandong regained control in the closing stages as Georgian midfielder Valeri Qazaishvili struck in the 83rd minute before adding another goal in stoppage time to complete his brace and seal the 5-3 victory.

Shandong moved to 44 points in fourth place, while Wuhan remained second from bottom with 22 points, sealing the club’s relegation with one match left to play.