CSL: Shanghai SIPG and Shenhua derby ends in stalemate, Henan Jianye edge Wuhan Zall
- Chinese Super League welcomes 2,000 fans to watch fiercely contested 0-0 draw between SIPG and Shenhua in Suzhou
- Henrique Dourado goal enough to put Henan Jianye in driving seat against Wuhan Zall ahead of Friday’s second leg
Neither set of supporters will have been disappointed by the level of passion on show from the sides even if the first leg of this two-legged affair ended in stalemate.
SIPG’s Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic was caught in the face by the imperious Stephane Mbia, suffering a bloodied nose as a result, while his teammate, goalkeeper Yan Junling, was taken off with a head injury after receiving a flailing arm to the face. It is unclear if he will play in the return leg.
The winners of that second game – which will go to penalties if the scores are level – take a place in the semi-finals of the knockout tournament to decide who wins this truncated 2020 championship and who will represent China in the AFC Champions League.
Whoever progresses will face the winner of the tie between Jiangsu Suning and Chongqing Lifan.
SIPG will go into Friday’s meeting as favourites after a first leg that saw them dominant but unable to find a breakthrough, in large part thanks to Mbia.
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The Cameroonian blocked on the line from Li Shenglong late in the game before Li saw an even later effort saved by Shenhua stopper Zeng Cheng.
Vitor Pereira’s side were almost left to rue their profligacy in front of goal when last season’s FA Cup winners Shenhua almost snatched victory at the death. SIPG and their fans breathed a collective sigh of relief as Yang Xu’s header flashed past the post.
In Sunday’s other game, Henan Jianye took a step toward safety in their relegation group game against Wuhan Zall in Dalian.
Henrique Dourado stepped up to the spot after teammate Christian Bassogog was fouled and though his penalty was saved, the Brazilian slammed the rebound past Dong Chunyu.
That gives the Henan side a slim advantage when the teams meet again on Friday. The winner secures a place in next season’s CSL, while the losing side moves on to another relegation play-off.
The final first legs take place on Monday. Qingdao Huanghai meet Guangzhou R&F in Dalian, with Jiangsu Suning playing Chongqing Lifan in Suzhou. The second legs begin on Wednesday.
