Guangzhou goes down again

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02:30

Reigning Chinese Super League (CSL) champions Guangzhou Evergrande have suffered yet another defeat as they were beaten 2-0 away by Beijing Renhe on Sunday.

Playing at home, Benjamin Moukandjo drew the first blood for Renhe in 9th minute with a stunning volley. Buoyed by the early success, Renhe kept the pressure on and Augusto Fernandez doubled the lead with a long shot in the 15th minute.

It was Evergrande's sixth consecutive game without a win in all competitions including domestic league, Chinese Football Association Cup and Asian Champions League.

Benjamin Moukandjo celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Guangzhou Evergrande. /VCG Photo

Evergrande coach Fabio Cannavaro said after the match, “My players could not put them together after allowing two goals to Renhe. They created many chances but failed to convert those to goals.”

After the 11th round, Chinese Super League will have a break of more than 50 days, putting a focus on the upcoming World Cup in Russia.

Evergrande, won seven Chinese Super League titles in a row since their promotion to the top flight at the end of 2010, bagged 18 points from five wins, three draws and three losses, ranking fifth in the league, five points behind league leaders Shanghai SIPG.

Augusto Fernandez of Beijing Renhe in action against Guangzhou Evergrande. /VCG Photo

Interestingly, Evergrande have and are the only Chinese club to win Asian Champions League twice so far.

However, grappled with a lackluster season, they lost to newly-promoted Dalian Yifang 3-0 to give Dalian their first league victory on May 5 and then to another newbie of the CSL, Renhe 2-0 away on Sunday.

In addition, Tianjin Quanjian eliminated Evergrande to advance to Asian Champions League quarterfinals on May 15.

Evergrande will stick to the all-Chinese squad plan in the future and aim to win another domestic league trophy with all-Chinese players, according to Xu's scheme for the club.

(With input from Xinhua)