BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Dalian Yingbo completed a remarkable turnaround from 18 points behind to claim its first Chinese Super League (CSL) title on Sunday, defeating Tianjin Jinmen Tiger 3-1 in the final round of the 2026 season as leader Chengdu Rongcheng suffered a 3-2 defeat to Shandong Taishan.
Back in June, Chengdu topped the standings after 16 rounds, with third-placed Dalian trailing by 18 points. However, the final 14 rounds saw a dramatic reversal of fortunes.
Heading into the final round, Chengdu still held a three-point lead over second-placed Dalian, which had built momentum with four consecutive victories.
Chengdu needed only a draw to secure the title regardless of Dalian's result, but squandered its final opportunity by losing 3-2 to Shandong.
Against Tianjin, Dalian made a flying start as Yang Mingrui opened the scoring in the fifth minute. Tianjin equalized from the penalty spot in the 50th minute, but late goals from Liao Jintao and Huang Shan secured a 3-1 victory for Dalian.
In the other decisive match, Shandong raced into a 2-0 lead at home to Chengdu. Brazilian striker Felipe pulled one back for the visitors in the 38th minute, but Cryzan Barcelos restored Shandong's two-goal advantage in the 63rd. Wellington Silva reduced the deficit again in the 79th minute, but Chengdu failed to find an equalizer before the final whistle.
Founded in 2021, Dalian Yingbo made history by winning its maiden CSL title just five years after its establishment.
Elsewhere in the final round, Beijing Guoan edged Chongqing Tonglianglong 1-0, Shanghai Shenhua thrashed Qingdao West Coast 4-0, Shanghai Port routed Liaoning Tieren 6-1, Yunnan Yukun beat Wuhan Three Towns 2-1, Qingdao Hainiu drew 2-2 with Shenzhen Peng City, and Zhejiang FC cruised to a 4-0 victory over Henan FC.
Wuhan Three Towns and Qingdao Hainiu finished in the bottom two places and were relegated. ■
