In the Chinese Super League, leading Guangzhou Evergrande were hoping to extend their winning streak to seven as they hit the road to take on Shanghai Shenxin. Evergrande, three points clear of Beijing to start the day.
In order to prepare for their AFC champions league round of 16 match against Cerezo Osaka next week, Guangzhou Evergrande rested a number of their key players for this one against Shenxin. The hosts would produce several chances in the first half, but failed to make a breakthrough.
After an hour of scoreless play, Evergrande would go ahead as Dong Xuesheng was able to get his head on this one and his fifth goal of the season would prove to be the only marker. 1-0 Evergrande is how this one would end as the two-time defending champs continue their winning ways. Seven in a row for Marcello Lippi’s men.
Evergrande’s win meant that Beijing had to match in Tianjin to remain just a game behind. And Beijing, started well. 4 minutes in, Pablo Batalla heads home the corner to give the visitors the lead. Guoan, off to a great start against their rivals.
Tianjin came close to levelling the match in the second half...but Carmelo Valencia’s powerful header only found the crossbar. Beijing would take the 1-0 win to remain on the heels of league leading Guangzhou Evergrande.
In other action, third placed Shandong suffered a tough loss at home to Dalian. And Guizhou Renhe thrashed Shanghai Greenland 3-0.