Shanghai Shenhua claimed a morale-boosting 3-1 away victory over Chongqing Tongliang Long, but face a significant personnel crisis ahead of their continental campaign. As reported by Sina Sports, head coach Milovan Rasic confirmed post-match that three key players will miss the AFC Champions League 2 group stage match against Singapore's Tampines Rovers on September 17 due to Asian Games duty.
How did Gao Tianyi orchestrate the blistering start?
The match at Chongqing Longxing Football Stadium saw Shanghai Shenhua impose their attacking intent from the first whistle. Gao Tianyi emerged as the early protagonist. Inside the opening minutes, Ma Nafa delivered a cross from the right, leading to a shot from Asuai that was blocked, and Gao Tianyi was quickest to react, slotting home the rebound for a dream start. Merely three minutes later, Gao Tianyi was involved again, providing a clever assist to extend the lead. His dynamism completely disrupted the opponent's plans.
Rasic's tactical tweaks also bore fruit. He reinstated Ma Nafa at right-back, with Yang Zexiang occupying the left-back slot. Meanwhile, the return of defensive midfielder Wang Haijian bolstered the midfield's interception and defensive solidity. This change effectively alleviated defensive pressure on Wu Xi and allowed Gao Tianyi to focus more on offensive orchestration.
What is Rasic's assessment of the win and team's form?
Despite the convincing away win, head coach Milovan Rasic remained measured. He told media after the game, "A single victory is not enough to solve all problems, but I believe the team is on the right track, and this win confirms their efforts." His comments show a focus on long-term stability and progress over any single result.
Rasic also demonstrated caution in player management. Foreign player Telles was named on the substitute bench but remained unused. The coach explained, "Because Telles has some issues with his hamstring, we do not intend to take risks." This protective approach towards player fitness is vital for the long season. The injury situation is improving, with Jin Shunkai and Liu Chengyu both returning to the squad for this match.
What lineup challenge awaits the ACL2 campaign?
The joy of victory will soon be tempered by a stern challenge. The Chinese Super League now enters a one-month break, but for Shanghai Shenhua, the fight continues. The team will host Singapore's Tampines Rovers on September 17 for their ACL2 group stage match. However, captain Wu Xi, defender Zhu Chenjie, and goalscorer Yang Haoyu will all report for Asian Games men's football team duty and will be unavailable for this important fixture.
Wu Xi's midfield organization and Zhu Chenjie's defensive leadership are virtually irreplaceable. Their absence will force Rasic into a major tactical reshuffle. The team's ACL2 group is competitive, also featuring Japan's FC Tokyo and Cambodia's Chaiyaphum. In last season's AFC Champions League, Shenhua lost 0-2 at home to FC Tokyo but remarkably reached the final, finishing as runners-up. This season's ACL2 journey begins with a stern test. Fans can check the team's full fixtures for upcoming matches.
What tactical variations did the team display in this match?
The lineup choices revealed some of Rasic's tactical thinking. Starting Wang Haijian as the defensive midfielder created a more strong shield in front of the backline. This adjustment liberated Wu Xi, enabling him to contribute more to transitional play. Gao Tianyi was granted greater freedom in the final third, and his excellent movement and vision became the offensive catalyst.
Defensive adjustments were equally noteworthy. With Ma Nafa back in his familiar right-back role, he provided stability in both phases, with one of his cut-back passes nearly creating another goal. Yang Zexiang's adaptability on the left was also tested. These refined details are concrete evidence of the team being "on the right track." To explore the squad in more detail, visit our squad page.
While ending the league phase with a win, Shanghai Shenhua's real test is imminent. How they navigate the ACL2 match without three key pillars will be the coaching staff's primary puzzle. The team's position in the CSL standings will also be frozen during this interval. The match against Tampines Rovers on September 17 will be a critical examination of the squad's depth and adaptability.
