Dalian Yingbo stages epic comeback to claim first-ever Chinese Super League title

Dalian Yingbo claimed its first ever Chinese Super League (CSL) title following a 3-1 win over Tianjin Jinmen Tiger in the 2026 season's final round of fixtures on Sunday as title rivals Chengdu Rongcheng fell to a 3-2 defeat against Shandong Taishan. It's a remarkable success for Dalian who at one stage trailed Chengdu by 18 points. 

In June, Chengdu topped the standings after 16 rounds of fixtures and looked destined to clinch the title, with third-placed Dalian trailing by 18 points. However, the final 14 rounds of fixtures saw things change dramatically.

Heading into the final round of fixtures, Chengdu still held a three-point lead over second-placed Dalian, who had built momentum with four consecutive victories.

Chengdu needed only a draw to secure the title regardless of Dalian's result, but squandered its final opportunity by losing 3-2 to Shandong.

Against Tianjin, Dalian made a flying start as Yang Mingrui opened the scoring in the fifth minute. Tianjin equalized from the penalty spot in the 50th minute, but late goals from Liao Jintao and Huang Shan secured a 3-1 victory for Dalian.

In the other decisive match, Shandong raced to a 2-0 lead at home against Chengdu. Brazilian striker Felipe pulled one back for the visitors in the 38th minute, but Cryzan Barcelos restored Shandong's two-goal advantage after the hour mark. Wellington Silva reduced the deficit again in the 79th minute, but Chengdu failed to find an equalizer before the final whistle.

Founded in 2021, Dalian Yingbo made history by winning its maiden CSL title just five years after its establishment.

Elsewhere in the final round of fixtures, Beijing Guoan edged Chongqing Tonglianglong 1-0, Shanghai Shenhua thrashed Qingdao West Coast 4-0, Shanghai Port routed Liaoning Tieren 6-1, Yunnan Yukun beat Wuhan Three Towns 2-1, Qingdao Hainiu drew 2-2 with Shenzhen Peng City, and Zhejiang FC cruised to a 4-0 victory over Henan FC.

Wuhan Three Towns and Qingdao Hainiu finished in the bottom two places and were relegated.