Oscar goal keeps Shanghai SIPG top in CSL

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The Chinese Super League returned from its two-month World Cup break. Brazilian attacking midfielder Oscar scored in the 54th minute to help leaders Shanghai SIPG draw 1-1 with Shandong Luneng on Tuesday in the 12th round of CSL.

Shandong Luneng player Jin Jingdao broke the deadlock in the 31st minute from Italian midfielder Graziano Pelle's pass.

Three minutes later, Shandong player Wang Tong counterattacked Oscar in the front. Tardelli took the ball from the left and passed the ball to Jin Jingdao. Jin immediately passed the ball to Pelle, who jumped up to header the goal, while his effort was ruled out following a video review.

Shandong Luneng player Pelle (L) celebrates with Jin Jingdao after scoring their team's first goal. /VCG Photo

In the 54th minute, Oscar got a chance to score a goal and tied the score, leaving the teams sharing the points at the end of 90 minutes.

"It wasn't a great game for us and we conceded the first goal. We had chances to score but we also had some problems and Shandong Luneng were putting us under pressure. Of course we were playing with the aim of winning but a draw is neither a good or bad result." said Shanghai coach Pereira.

After the match, Shanghai SIPG and Shandong Luneng were tied on 24 points, but Shanghai SIPG held the top position on goal difference. If third-placed Beijing Guoan win on Wednesday, then they will leapfrog SIPG and Luneng to the top spot.

Also on Tuesday, Tianjin Quanjian beat Guangzhou R&F 2-1 at home. Yang Xu's header in the 6th minute put Quanjian in front and Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato made it 2-0 in the 23rd minute. Israeli striker Eran Zahavi scored a late goal in the 87th minute for Guangzhou R&F.

Elsewhere, Jiangsu Suning tied 0-0 with Beijing Renhe, while Changchun Yatai beat Chongqing Lifan 2-1.

(With input from agencies.)