Shanghai申花 secured a 5-4 victory over Chengdu Rongcheng in the 24th round of the 2026 season, ending the latter's 14-game winning streak. The match's 9-goal spectacle exposed league-wide defensive vulnerabilities, while Rongcheng maintained their lead despite an 8-game winless streak.
[Match Recap] A Sué's hat-trick in 20 minutes completely dismantled Rongcheng's defense. Teixeira's long-range shot was saved by Liu Dianzhuo, and La Tong's one-on-one opportunity was nullified by an offside call. Fei Lipei's two penalty kicks became the turning point, sealing the 5-4 result.
[Data and Controversies] Both teams created 12 chances, with 3 shots hitting the crossbar. VAR intervened once, and two offside calls were disputed. Rongcheng's goalkeeper made multiple saves, but the defense crumbled under A Sué's pressure.
[League Structure Analysis] Rongcheng leads with 48 points, having won just 1 of their last 8 games; Guanxiang has 36 points, 12 behind the leader. Mid-table teams are separated by less than 2 points, ending the title race early. Fans chanted 'Johann Down,' criticizing the league's distorted structure.
