Jin Jingdao (1st L), Marouane Fellaini (2nd L) and Sun Zhunhao of Shandong Taishan celebrate after winning a 2021 season Chinese Football Association Super League (CSL) match over Hebei FC in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 27, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)
Shandong Taishan ended a 11-year wait to claim the 2021 season Chinese Super League title three round in advance after beating Hebei FC 2-0.
GUANGZHOU, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Goals from Marouane Fellaini and Xu Xin saw Shandong Taishan beat Hebei FC 2-0 here on Sunday to win the 2021 Chinese Super League title with three matches still to play.
Fellaini netted in the 20th minute before Xu scored in the 82nd minute to confirm Shandong's first CSL title for 11 years.
"Winning the championship is not only a fruit of the efforts from our players and coaching staff, but the whole club," said Shandong coach Hao Wei after the match.
Shandong has managed to maintain a degree of stability in recent years, unlike many other CSL clubs who are currently suffering financial difficulties.
Leading the table by 10 points, a victory was enough for Shandong to win the season with three games still to play.
Xu Xin attacks during a 2021 season Chinese Football Association Super League (CSL) match against Hebei FC in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 27, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)
Jin Jingdao's cross from the right found Fellaini and the Belgian put the ball into an open goal in the 20th minute.
Xu had the ball in the net in the 34th minute, but his goal was canceled out by VAR as De Erjiaduo was in offside position.
Shandong controlled the ball well after the break. Hebei squandered their best chance to equalize as Yao Xuchen's one-on-one was saved by keeper Wang Dalei, with Shandong doubling their lead through Xu's volley just one minute later. ■
