Shanghai Shenhua secured a important three points with a 3-1 away victory over Chongqing Tongliang Long in the Chinese Super League on September 6. The win at Chongqing Longxing Football Stadium was built on a lightning-fast brace from Gao Tianyi, but the club now faces a significant challenge with several key players set to miss upcoming AFC Champions League Elite matches.
How did Gao Tianyi dominate the early stages
Gao Tianyi single-handedly changed the complexion of the match within the first three minutes. He first calmly slotted home during a swift counter-attack, then provided a precise assist to extend his team's lead. Head coach Milovan Rasic's tactical adjustments paid immediate dividends, with his decision to push Gao Tianyi further forward fully unlocking Shenhua's attacking potential.
Ma Nafa returned to the right-back position, Yang Zexiang played at left-back, and Wang Haijian was reinstated as the defensive midfielder. These changes made the team's transition between defense and attack much smoother. According to a report from Sina, Rasic said after the match: "One victory is not enough to solve all problems, but I think the team is on the right track, and this win confirms their efforts."
What key absences will the team face
The joy of victory is quickly tempered by impending personnel issues. Captain Wu Xi, defender Zhu Chenjie, and goalscorer Yang Haoyu will join the Asian Games football team and are confirmed to miss the Chinese Super League match against Singapore's Tampines Rovers on September 17. Wu Xi and Zhu Chenjie are irreplaceable figures in the team's defensive structure and midfield organization, and their absence will pose a major selection headache for Rasic.
Foreign player Tite was also left out of the matchday squad due to minor posterior thigh muscle issues. Rasic explained this decision: "Because Tite has some problems with his posterior muscle group, we did not intend to take risks." On a positive note, previously injured players Jin Shunkai and Liu Chengyu have returned to training, easing the team's injury concerns.
What are Shenhua's prospects in ACL Elite Group 2
Shanghai Shenhua has been drawn in AFC Champions League Elite Group 2 alongside Japan's Tokyo Verdy, Cambodia's Chaiyaphum, and Singapore's Tampines Rovers. It is a challenging group. Tokyo Verdy finished as runners-up in last season's AFC Champions League Elite League and are a formidable opponent. Shenhua lost 0-2 to them at home last season, and will need to find a way to break through this time despite missing several key players.
The team's upcoming fixtures are congested, requiring a balance between league and continental commitments. The match against Tampines Rovers on September 17 will serve as an important warm-up before the ACL campaign, but the team will field an incomplete lineup. Fans can check the latest player availability on our squad page.
What other details defined this match
Beyond Gao Tianyi's standout performance, substitute goalkeeper Xue Qinghao made two vital saves in the second half to withstand Chongqing's pressure. With Wang Haijian on the field to share defensive duties, Wu Xi's defensive burden decreased, allowing him to focus more on organizing attacks. In the final stages, Yang Haoyu and Engeaduwu each scored to seal the victory.
Despite being eliminated from the FA Cup, Shenhua is showing positive momentum in the league. The team must now prepare thoroughly for the upcoming AFC Champions League Elite campaign with the players available. Their next official match is a Chinese Super League fixture at home against Singapore's Tampines Rovers on September 17.
