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E-mail Xinhua, March 4, 2025
The Chinese Super League (CSL) concluded its second round on Monday, headlined by a thrilling Beijing Guoan-Shanghai Shenhua derby draw and defending champion Shanghai Port maintaining its perfect start.
Some 40,000 fans packed the stadium for Saturday's clash between Guoan and Shenhua, two historic rivals from China's largest cities. Guoan's Lin Liangming opened the scoring with an 11th-minute header, but veteran Wu Xi equalized for Shenhua with a delicate chip in the 38th minute.
Alexandru Ionita (R) of Yunnan Yukun vies with Sun Guowen of Zhejiang Greentown during the 2nd round match at the 2025 Chinese Super League (CSL) in Yuxi, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)
Controversy struck before halftime as Guoan goalkeeper Han Jiaqi's foul on Jiang Shenlong conceded a penalty, converted by Brazilian striker Andre Luis. Despite Zhang Yuan's 80th-minute red card, 10-man Guoan snatched a stoppage-time equalizer when Fabio Abreu's header forced an own goal by Shenhua goalkeeper Bao Yaxiong, sealing a dramatic 2-2 draw.
Meanwhile, Shanghai Port continued their quest for a third straight title with a 2-0 home win over Changchun Yatai on Friday. After a goalless first half, Feng Jin broke the deadlock early in the second half before Brazilian forward Leonardo sealed victory with a late one-on-one goal. The reigning champion now leads the standings with six points from two matches.
The round also showcased China's rising stars. U20 AFC Asian Cup standouts Wang Yudong and Mao Weijie made waves as Wang started for Zhejiang FC in its 1-1 draw with Yunnan Yukun, while 19-year-old Mao provided an assist in his CSL debut despite Dalian Yingbo's 4-1 loss to Shandong Taishan.
However, 16-year-old Wei Xiangxin stole the spotlight as the youngest debutant, coming off the bench for Meizhou Hakka in its 2-1 win over Henan FC to become the first U17 Chinese national team player to feature in the CSL.
The league now enters a brief hiatus, resuming on March 28 for the third round.
