Shanghai Shenhua extended their unbeaten streak with a 1-0 victory over Shandong Taishan in Jinan, east Chinas Shandong Province, on Saturday, securing their seventh win of the 2024-25 Chinese Super League season and retaining first place.
The match nearly tilted early when Brazilian forward Saulo Mineiro saw his shot saved by Taishan goalkeeper Wang Dalei. In the 65th minute, Shenhua midfielder Gao Tianyi whipped in a corner that Zhu Chenjie narrowly missed from point-blank range.
Twelve minutes later, Gao was back on the attack, sprinting onto an Andre Luis delivery and heading home the decisive goal, marking Shenhuas fourth straight win and leaving them three points clear of second-placed Chengdu Rongcheng.
Chengdu kept up the pressure with a 2-1 road win over Changchun Yatai in Changchun, northeast Chinas Jilin Province. Yuan Mincheng capitalized on a saved header to open the scoring, and Wei Shihao doubled the lead early in the second half. Slovenian midfielder Robert Beric pulled one back for Changchun, but it wasnt enough.
In the days other fixture, Shenzhen and Dalian played out a 1-1 draw in south Chinas Guangdong Province, with both sides sharing spoils in a tight contest.
As the CSL title chase intensifies, every point will count in one of Asias most competitive leagues.
Reference(s):
Undefeated Shenhua continue to lead CSL standings after edging Taishan
cgtn.com
