Shandong Taishan defeat Shanghai Port to close in on first Chinese Super League title in 11 years
- Shandong Taishan’s 2-0 win over championship rivals put the team in a solid position for a Chinese Super League title
- Guangzhou City hands Beijing Guoan a 5-0 thrashing to set a record for their biggest loss ever
Shandong Taishan took a huge stride towards a first Chinese Super League title in more than a decade after a 2-0 win over championship rivals Shanghai Port on Sunday gave Hao Wei’s side an eight-point lead at the top of the standings.
Goals from Brazilian striker Jadson and South Korea’s Son Jun-ho earned victory for Shandong, who are closing in on their first title since 2010 with five games remaining.
Shandong have 42 points from 17 games in the 22-match season, eight more than Shanghai Port and Guangzhou FC.
Jadson put Shandong in front in the 18th minute when he met Son’s corner with a downward header from 12 yards that flew past China international goalkeeper Yan Junling.
Son doubled the advantage midway through the second half with a clever free kick, scoring with a direct strike on goal after spotting Yan off his line as he anticipated a cross.
Guangzhou, eight-times champions, moved into second place ahead of Shanghai on goal difference with a 2-0 win over Changchun Yatai courtesy of goals from Deng Hanwen and Yang Liyu.