BEIJING, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The 2024 Chinese Super League (CSL) season wrapped up on Saturday in spectacular fashion, as star striker Wu Lei spearheaded Shanghai Port's 5-0 victory over Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, helping to secure their title defense at home.
Wu was instrumental throughout the fiercely competitive season, shattering the previous single-season scoring record of 29 goals by netting 34, finishing 13 goals ahead of Zhejiang FC's Leonardo, who placed second in the scoring charts.
Shanghai Port gained crucial momentum in the penultimate round after they capitalized on Shanghai Shenhua's unexpected draw against Shenzhen Peng City, securing a one-point advantage and setting the stage for a thrilling final showdown.
Facing an unmotivated Tianjin side, Shanghai Port took control early, scoring within the first four minutes and maintaining dominance throughout the match to achieve the decisive 5-0 win. This victory rendered the outcome of Shenhua's away match against Chengdu Rongcheng irrelevant to the title race. Nevertheless, the battle for second and third place remained intense.
Chengdu took an early lead against Shenhua, courtesy of Dong Yanfeng's goal in the 42nd minute. However, veteran Wu Xi leveled the score with a header during first-half stoppage time. Later, Yu Hanchao emerged from the bench to score the winning goal in the 81st minute, securing a 2-1 victory and the second place of the standings for Shenhua, with Chengdu finishing third eventually.
While the title race concluded without major drama, the relegation zone offered a contrasting narrative. Shenzhen triumphed 2-1 over the already relegated Nantong Zhiyun, and Qingdao Hainiu narrowly edged out Cangzhou Mighty Lions 1-0. Consequently, Meizhou Hakka, having lost 2-1 away to Shandong Taishan, faced relegation.
In other matches on the final day, Zhejiang scored twice in the last 10 minutes to secure a 2-2 draw away at Changchun Yatai, Wuhan Three Towns suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to Qingdao West Coast, and Beijing Guoan played to a 1-1 draw with Henan FC at home.
According to the updated AFC Champions League rules, CSL champion Shanghai Port earned a spot in next season's AFC Champions League Elite stage, with runner-up Shenhua entering the play-off stage.
Chengdu achieved its first-ever qualification for the AFC Champions League, but its exact placement-either in the Elite stage or second-tier-depends on the outcome of the CFA Cup final between Shandong Taishan and Shanghai Port.
If Shanghai Port clinches the CFA Cup, Chengdu will compete in the Elite stage play-offs, while CSL fourth-place team Beijing secures a spot in the second-tier group stage. Conversely, if Shandong prevails, it will claim direct entry to the Elite stage, with Chengdu entering the second-tier group stage. ■
