CSL: Beijing Guoan keep pressure on Shanghai SIPG before group B decider on Friday
- Beijing Guoan maintain pressure on group B leaders Shanghai SIPG with 5-1 win over Qingdao Huanghai before they meet on Friday
- Shijiazhuang meet Chongqing and Wuhan take on Hebei in the next round of games as last two top-four spots up for grabs
The coronavirus-delayed Chinese Super League’s group B took shape on Tuesday night after the 12th round of matches in the Suzhou bubble, but there is still all to play for.
Shanghai SIPG kept hold of their grip on top spot – and facing the fourth-placed team from the Dalian group in the title-deciding second round – with a 1-0 win over Shijiazhuang Ever Bright and another three points.
They needed them with Beijing Guoan, who beat Qingdao Huanghai 5-1, breathing down their necks. Shanghai SIPG’s lead is four points with two games left, but the top two meet on Friday.
The leaders thought they had a first half penalty only for the foul to be ruled out for offside against Wang Shenchao. Hulk converted a second half penalty to decide the game, having earlier rattled the crossbar from distance.
A draw will secure top spot for SIPG, but Guoan go into Friday’s game full of confidence after exorcising some demons against the Qingdao side.
In their previous meeting the Beijingers had a 3-0 lead, only to draw 3-3, but there was to be no such fightback the second time round.