Sports
15:20, 23-Apr-2018
Miraculous 2-2 draw earns point for Beijing Guoan at Guangzhou Evergrande
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03:09
Beijing Guoan battled back against the defending Chinese Super League (CSL) champions Guangzhou Evergrande on Sunday, recovering a point with a 2-2- draw.
Last night’s match was a clash between two of the most prominent clubs in the CSL. Guoan have the lineage, but Evergrande have the success - an eighth title in a row is the ultimate aim for the side from southern China. Both teams were evenly matched in terms of form at the start of play.
The two sides had chances but did not score goals in the first-half. After a goalless 45 minutes, Guangzhou Evergrande broke the deadlock when Nemanja Gudelj hit a volley in at the back post, and the visitors increased their lead quickly with a goal from Yu Hanchao in the 72nd minute.
Beijing Guoan’s Renato Augusto celebrates his goal during the match. /VCG Photo
Beijing Guoan’s Renato Augusto celebrates his goal during the match. /VCG Photo
In the 88th minute, Renato Augusto pulled one goal back by converting a penalty, but it was star player Bakambu who made the miracle in the 91st minute to tie the score.
It was a wet and wonderful night in front of 56,000 fans. Evergrande will very much be expecting another title to come at the end of the season, while expectations aren't as high for Guoan, who are looking for their first CSL title in eight years. It's not impossible if they continue to show the same fight in every contest.