The Chinese Super League (CSL) resumed this week after a month-long international break, and fans were treated to two thrilling matchups on Friday.
Wuhan Three Towns 2-0 Qingdao Hainiu
Wuhan broke their four-game winless streak early when Manuel Palacios slipped a precise pass to Alexandru Tudorie in the 12th minute. Tudorie coolly finished for his sixth league goal of the season. Pressure kept mounting, and in the 32nd minute Darlan Mendes capitalized on a defensive error to tee up Gustavo Sauer, who nodded home a second. Wuhan’s clean sheet lifts them to 11th place, while Qingdao remain in 15th.
Dalian Yingbo 1-0 Meizhou Hakka
At Dalian Sports Center Stadium, 59,000 fans paid tribute to veteran Fei Yu. A giant TIFO in the 28th minute honored the 34-year-old defender, marking his retirement after 228 career matches. In the 53rd minute, Cephas Malele’s powerful shoulder barge set up Zhu Pengyu for a clinical finish, securing the win. Fei Yu made a final appearance as a substitute, wearing the captain’s armband as the crowd sang his praises. Three years ago, Fei fulfilled his dream of playing in the Chinese mainland’s top flight at age 31 by helping Dalian earn promotion.
With the international break behind them, teams now look to build momentum as the season heats up.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
