In a thrilling Friday night showdown, Shanghai Port flexed their championship credentials with a decisive 4-1 win over Henan at their home ground, vaulting them to the summit of the Chinese Super League.
The action kicked off in the 21st minute when Mateus Vital unleashed a pinpoint free kick that Wang Shenchao powered home with a towering header. Just 16 minutes later, Vital struck again, unleashing a long-range strike into the bottom corner to double the lead and send the crowd into raptures.
Right before halftime, Leonardo seized on another clever assist from Vital, rounded Henan goalkeeper Xu Jiamin, and slotted home to make it 3-0. After the break, Gabrielzinho sliced down the left flank and delivered a perfect cross for Oscar Melendo, who celebrated his first goal in a Shanghai Port shirt.
Henan did manage a consolation penalty from Felippe Cardoso in the 65th minute, but it can't halt Shanghai Port's momentum. With this victory, the two-time defending champions now sit top with 47 points, two clear of rivals Shanghai Shenhua—albeit with one more match played.
Weekend Highlights: Yunnan Yukun's Nail-Biter
Elsewhere in the league, Yunnan Yukun edged out Wuhan Three Towns 2-1 in a match packed with drama. Luo Jing stunned his former side with a spectacular 35th-minute strike from distance. However, an own goal by Li Songyi just after the break leveled the score.
The decisive moment came in the 75th minute when Tang Miao sparked a lightning-quick counterattack and set up substitute Han Zilong, whose calm finish restored Yunnan's lead. Wuhan's hopes faded further when striker Pedro Henrique rattled the post with a stoppage-time penalty.
With their win, Yunnan Yukun not only claimed three vital points but also extended Wuhan Three Towns' winless streak to seven matches—proof that football's unpredictability keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
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Shanghai Port dominate Henan to ascend to Chinese Super League summit
cgtn.com
