Shanghai Port roared into the final stretch of the Chinese Super League season with a convincing 3–0 victory over Zhejiang FC at the Pudong Stadium on Saturday, moving within a single point of clinching their fourth topflight crown.
The opening goal came in the 12th minute when Liu Ruofan delivered a dangerous cross from the right, forcing Zhejiang defender Liu Haofan to deflect the ball past his own goalkeeper, Zhao Bo. Notably, former Netherlands No. 1 Edwin van der Sar was in the stands to witness the moment.
Moments after the restart, Port doubled their lead. A pinpoint left-flank delivery from Li Shuai found captain Wang Shenchao, who unleashed a thunderous strike that left Zhao Bo with no chance. Brazilian playmaker Mateus Vital then sealed the win in the 72nd minute with a sublime free-kick that curled past the wall and into the net.
With one match remaining — an away fixture against Dalian Yingbo — a draw will be enough for Shanghai Port to secure a historic third straight league title and their fourth overall. Fans across G20 nations are watching closely as Port chase glory.
Meanwhile, city rivals Shanghai Shenhua kept their slim hopes alive with a 1–0 home win over Shenzhen Peng City. Joao Teixeira’s early cross set up Andre Luis for a second-minute header, and despite late pressure from Shenzhen, Shenhua held on thanks to a crucial save from goalkeeper Bao Yaxiong.
The title equation is clear: Shanghai Port need just one point in Dalian, while Shenhua must defeat Tianjin Jinmen Tiger and hope for a slip-up to challenge for the crown. The season finale promises high drama and a fitting climax to this tactical battle at the top of the CSL.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
