CSL: Beijing Guoan held, Shanghai SIPG thrash Renhe

World
Europe

01:34

Beijing Guoan were playing their second consecutive match in Shanghai on Saturday. After edging SIPG 5-4 on penalties in the quarter-finals of the Chinese FA Cup midweek, the capital club took on Shenhua in the Chinese Super League, looking for three points to consolidate their position on top of the standings.

It seemed the first half will end in a scoreless draw, but Beijing made the breakthrough just before the break. Renato Augusto found space in front of the box for a curling effort and Guoan led 1-0 at half-time.

But Shenhua equalized nine minutes into the second half. Li Peng's powerful header was saved and Eddy Francis slotted in the loose ball to make it 1-1.

2018 Chinese Super League MD14, Beijing Guoan vs Shanghai Shenhua, July 28, 2018 /VCG Photo

The league leaders eventually went ahead in the 64th. Augusto's shot was deflected into the path of Bakambu who headed in from close range. At 2-1, Guoan were well on course for another win in Shanghai.

But there was a twist in the tale. Beijing’s Li Lei was injured and was replaced by Wei Shihao. In the first minute of the stoppage time, 23-year-old Wei somehow found his own net while trying to steal the ball from Moreno. With this dramatic stoppage-time own goal, Beijing blew away the chance to win and had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

And in another CSL match last night, Beijing Renhe were at home to Shanghai SIPG and the newly promoted hosts would be thoroughly outclassed by the visitors as their Brazilian star Oscar bagged a brace and two assists to lead the rout.

Wu Lei opened the scoring for SIPG in the 19th minute with a header off Oscar's corner.

In the 40th minute, Beijing had their only highlight of the game when Kenyan forward Ayub Masika equalized for Renhe.

Wu Lei #7 of Shanghai SIPG celebrates after scoring his team's goal during 2018 Chinese Super League match between Beijing Renhe and Shanghai SIPG at Beijing Fengtai Stadium on July 28, 2018 in Beijing, China. /VCG Photo

Off another corner from Oscar, SIPG's He Guan knocked in the rebound from Wu Lei's header and it was 2-1 Shanghai at halftime. Oscar expanded the advantage for SIPG in the 53rd with a long strike.

And in the 70th minute, Hulk ran into the box and attracted two defenders before cutting it back to Oscar and the Brazilian's second of the game made it 4-1 SIPG.

Just before the final whistle, Hulk passed to Oscar whose backheel was picked up by Lei Wenjie who completed the 5-1 demolition for SIPG.

In other games, Jiangsu Suning drew 1-1 with Shandong Luneng, Hebei Fortune, and Guangzhou R&F ended 2-2, and Henan Jianye overcame Guizhou Hengfeng 2-1 to leave them winless in ten games.

Beijing Guoan are still on top with 29 points, one ahead of Shandong Luneng. SIPG reduced their gap with the top two teams to two points, and they have one game in hand. Jiangsu Suning and Shanghai Shenhua are even on points, but Jiangsu are ahead due to goal difference.