Shanghai Shenhua made an electrifying start to the 2025 Chinese Super League (CSL) season with a last-minute home victory against Changchun Yatai, winning 2-1 at their home ground in Shanghai Municipality, east China.
The team's Brazilian striker, Saulo Mineiro, continues to impress following his stellar performance in the Chinese Football Association (CFA) Super Cup earlier this month, where he scored two crucial goals to help Shenhua defeat reigning champions Shanghai Port 3-2.
Mineiro's form remained strong against Yatai. In the 29th minute, Yang Haoyu delivered a cross to Mineiro, whose initial shot was blocked by a defender before Wu Xi's attempt was denied by goalkeeper Wu Yake. Luckily, the ball found Mineiro again, allowing him to score from close range and put Shenhua ahead 1-0.
Despite Yatai's efforts to equalize before halftime, with Tan Long scoring the tying goal in the 42nd minute, Shenhua remained resilient. The decisive moment came in the seventh minute of stoppage time in the second half, when Mineiro skillfully chipped the ball over the goalkeeper, setting up Andre Luis to net the game-winning goal.
Shenhua's victory sets a positive tone for the season, complementing the outcomes of the other matches held that night. Chengdu Rongcheng edged past Wuhan Three Towns 1-0 at home, while Beijing Guoan secured a 2-0 win against Yunnan Yukun on the road.
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Shanghai Shenhua begin new CSL season with last-minute home win
cgtn.com
