The Chinese Super League's much-anticipated match between Guangzhou Evergrande and Beijing Guoan ended 1-0 on Friday evening in Guangzhou Tianhe Stadium with Beijing moving to the third place from the top after dominating the league for a long time.
The only goal of the whole match was scored in the first minute during the additional time at the end of game. Guangzhou's Brazilian forward Talisca successfully challenged Beijng's goalkeeper Guo Quanbo and helped the defending champion gain the crucial three points.
In this tough game, Guangzhou and Beijing had a similar possession percentage, but apparently Guangzhou made more attempts at shooting (13-8), and finally their efforts were rewarded.
The goalkeeper Guo of the visitors' side is just 21 years old, and his nearly clean-sheet performance, including declining Talisca's dangerous one-on-one hit at the 35th minute outside the box, made Beijing have no regrets in this defeat.
Beijing Guoan's Renato Augusto (L) in action with Guangzhou's Zhang Linpeng during the match /VCG Photo
During the match, each team had a goal denied by VAR and Beijing's Renato Augusto lost a penalty when confronting the comeback national goalkeeper Zeng Cheng.
For the moment, Shanghai SIPG ranked No.1 on the table with 46 points after defeating Tianjin Taida 5-2 on Friday night. Guangzhou Evergrande leveled with Beijing Guoan but surpassed the capital team by a goal difference.
In another game played on Friday, Dalian Yifang won Tianjin Quanjian 1-0.
The seven-time CSL champion will visit Shanghai's powerhouse next Tuesday for the rematch of MD 13, and the top two teams' duel will influence the CSL title's in the 2018 season.