Shandong Taishan's Qi Tianyu takes on Chen Chunxin of Shanghai Port during their Chinese Super League clash on Jan. 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan)
The top four teams in the Chinese Super League were in action on New Year's Day, as Guangzhou FC defeated Changchun Yatai and Shandong Taishan drew with Shanghai Port.
WUHAN, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Guangzhou FC started off the new year with a 2-0 win over Changchun Yatai, while Shandong Taishan and Shanghai Port drew 2-2 in the 21st round of the Chinese Super League (CSL) here on Saturday.
After a goalless first half dominated by Guangzhou, the eight-time league champions continued to attack and managed to break the deadlock in the 72nd minute, when 18-year-old striker Ling Jie slotted home from Zhang Xiuwei's pass.
Two minutes later, Brazilian striker Junior Negao had the chance to level the game for Changchun but saw his shot saved by Liu Weiguo.
In the 82nd minute, Tan Kaiyuan latched onto Deng Hanwen's fine pass to seal the victory for Guangzhou.
Ling Jie's Guangzhou FC teammates help him after he gets cramp after scoring against Changchun Yatai on Jan. 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
In an eye-catching clash, newly-crowned CSL champions Shandong drew 2-2 with third-placed Shanghai Port.
23-year-old striker Duan Liuyu helped Shandong take an early lead in the eighth minute.
In the second half, Shanghai kept pressing ahead and their efforts were rewarded with two goals in the 69th and 75th minutes by Hu Jinghang and Aaron Mooy.
It seemed that Shanghai would end Shandong's 11-game unbeaten run, but Brazilian center Moises was brought down by Shanghai defender Wang Shenchao inside the box, before stepping up to convert the resultant penalty in the 96th minute to level the scores.
In Saturday's other two games, Beijing Guoan drew with Guangzhou City 1-1, while Shenzhen FC defeated Hebei FC 1-0. ■
