Beijing Guoan turn the table halfway at CSL

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02:01

With a hat-trick form Spanish striker Jonathan Soriano, Beijing's Guoan were crowned half-season champions of the Chinese Super League (CSL) on Thursday after beating Hebei China Fortune 6-3 at the 15th round.

Soriano broke the deadlock for the host Guoan seven minutes into the match, while Gao Huaze from Fortune scored the equalizer just five minutes later.

Jonathan Soriano of Beijing Guoan scores a hat-trick against Hebei China. /VCG Photo

Spanish striker Jonathan Viera Ramos and Soriano helped Guoan to enlarge the gap to 3-1, while Fortune's attacking attempt in the first half was blocked by Dong Xuesheng.

Soriano completed his hat-trick in the second half by sending the ball into the empty net. Fortune's new recruit Hossein Kaebi managed to maintain hope for the visitors as he scored to narrow the gap to 4-2.

Goals from Ramos and Chi Zhongguo settled the game at 6-3 and Guoan climbed to the top of the CSL table after 15 rounds.

Elsewhere on Thursday, the visiting Guangzhou Evergrande beat Tianjin Teda 3-0.

(With Xinhua input)