So it was a bit of an anti-climax as the battle for first place between Beijing Guoan and Shandong Luneng ended in a 1-1 draw. The result means that at the halfway point of the season, the title race is wide open, but that potential for drama is of little consolation to the Capital Club's supporters, who were none too pleased with last night's outcome. Damion Jones has more.

With more than 56-thousand fans at Workers Stadium to witness the latest battle for the top in the Chinese Super League, Renato Augusto's brilliant free-kick five minutes before halftime not only leveled the score, but also ignited the crowd's hopes for a win over Shandong Luneng. The most expensive player in Beijing Guoan's line-up, Cedric Bakambu, was a constant threat up front, and prior to Sunday had found the net 11 times in 15 games, but would not be able to solve Wang Dalei. Although the visitors counterattacked with abandon after the break, as Graziano Pelle and Diego Tardelli manned the frontline, neither side would score again, so the 1-1 draw leaves the Capital Club in first place, one point ahead of the Orange Fighters.

"We had created plenty of chances, but were a bit impatient. Shandong held back in the second half, while Beijing were missing players at the back due to suspensions and injuries."

While Beijing's players might be relieved to salvage a point against second place Shandong, their fans were reluctant to accept the result, and stayed at the venue's exits long after the match had ended.

"Honestly speaking, I'm not satisfied with the result. If we had seized our opportunities, this would have been a 3-1 win."

"Luneng should feel happy, but it was a pity for Guoan, who should have performed better in this game."

The top four teams in the CSL are separated by just three points in a very close title race, and with Shanghai SIPG and Guangzhou Evergrande still needing to make up a contest that was postponed due to a typhoon, the picture is only poised to get even more jumbled. DJ, CGTN.