CSL: Shandong defeat Hebei to stay on Beijing's heels

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Shandong Luneng beat Hebei China Fortune 3-1 on Wednesday to stay one point behind leaders Beijing Guoan and increase the pressure on He Bei's coach Chris Coleman.

Striker Graziano Pelle scored twice and Diego Tardelli added a third for Li Xiaopeng’s team as Shandong kept within touching distance of Beijing who defeated Dalian Yifang 5-2 on Tuesday.

Shandong Luneng now has 38 points from 18 games, with one point behind Beijing Guoan.

“The game was very fast and competitive and the players are exhausted,” said Li, who replaced Felix Magath at Shandong before the start of the campaign.

“Although the result is good for us we didn’t play too smart during the game. Pelle has gradually adapted to the way Chinese teams defend and he has come a long way.”

Shandong‘s player Zhang Chi (L) runs with ball during the match Shandong defeat Hebei in CSL round 18, August 15, 2018./ VCG Photo

Defending champions Guangzhou Evergrande got their challenge for an eighth straight title back on track with a 5-0 thrashing of Henan Jianye after a surprise loss to Changchun Yatai on August 11.

Ricardo Goulart and Gao Lin both scored twice and Anderson Talisca was on target again to leave Evergrande six points behind Beijing Guoan with a game in hand.

That fixture will be played next month against great rivals Shanghai SIPG, who stayed third after defeating Guangzhou R&F with 3-1.

Dalian’s defeat coupled with Chongqing Lifan’s 0-0 draw with Jiangsu Suning, put Dalian back into the relegation zone.

Tianjin Quanjian and Tianjin Teda played out a 0-0 draw, Changchun Yatai secured a 3-1 win over Beijing Renhe.

Source(s): Reuters