Chinese Super League: Jordi Cruyff gets first Shenzhen win; Rafa Benitez’s Dalian Pro held to draw by Shanghai Shenhua

Dutchman’s emphatic first win, thanks to prolific John Mary, puts Shenzhen in race for championship second round

Late equaliser for Shanghai Shenhua against Dalian Pro leaves both sides facing relegation battle in next stage

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Salomon Rondon of Dalian Pro celebrates his eighth goal of the Chinese Super League season against Shanghai Shenhua in Dalian. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 11:56am, 15 Sep 2020Updated: 11:56am, 15 Sep 2020

Jordi Cruyff grabbed his first Chinese Super League win as Shenzhen manager when his side beat struggling Henan Jianye 3-1 in Dalian on Monday night.

Shenzhen striker John Mary opened the scoring after just four minutes, smashing home on the half-volley from a Gao Lin through pass.

Mary then doubled the lead in the 11th minute with his eighth goal in 10 games after good work on the wing by Harold Preciado to outwit Henan defender Han Xuan.

The Cameroon striker returned to the side after a one-game ban for a red card against Shanghai Shenhua, after which he levelled allegations of racism at the opposition bench.

Veteran China striker Gao, who arrived from champions Guangzhou Evergrande in the off-season, added a third in the 28th minute, smashing home a rebound spilled from goalkeeper Wang Guoming off a Preciado header.

Consolation for Henan came in the 75th minute when Christian Bassogog rounded off a counter attack.