CSL: Shanghai Shenhua set up second round derby with SIPG
- Bi Jinhao brace secures fourth spot for Shanghai side and date with city rivals next month
- Top three cement their places for second stage in Dalian group’s final matches on Sunday
The Dalian-based group of Chinese Super League sides finished the first stage of the season on Sunday with the last four games of round one deciding the final standings.
Last year’s champions Guangzhou Evergrande had already won the group and cemented top spot with a 1-0 win over Dalian Pro.
The difference for Fabio Cannavaro’s side was an own goal from Shan Pengfei at the start of the second half.
Rafa Benitez’s Dalian side finished seventh and move on to the relegation play-offs in the second stage which begins on October 16.
Second placed Jiangsu Suning finished eight points off Guangzhou Evergrande despite a 1-0 win over Shenzhen in their final game.
An Alex Teixeira penalty decided matters and consigned Shenzhen to the relegation play-offs after they failed to take advantage of Jiangsu’s Zhang Boyu being sent off just after the hour mark.