Shanghai Port secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over city rivals Shanghai Shenhua on Wednesday to advance to the final of the Chinese Football Association (FA) Cup.
The intense derby match not only highlighted the fierce rivalry between the two Shanghai teams but also played a pivotal role as both clubs are neck and neck in the Chinese Super League standings. Port leads the league by just two points over second-placed Shenhua with eight games remaining in the season.
The encounter sprang to life in the 18th minute when Leo Cittadini opened the scoring for Port, capitalizing on a well-crafted play that caught the Shenhua defense off-guard.
Shenhua responded with determination, leveling the score four minutes before halftime through a precise finish from Chen Jinyi.
After the break, Port came out with renewed vigor. Just five minutes into the second half, Cittadini struck again, restoring Port’s lead with a clinical effort.
The momentum swung further in Port’s favor in the 64th minute when Wu Lei was brought down in the box by Shenhua goalkeeper Bao Yaxiong. Brazilian midfielder Oscar stepped up to the spot and calmly converted the penalty, extending the lead to 3-1.
Despite a late push from Shenhua, culminating in a stoppage-time goal by Cephas Malele, Port held firm to seal the victory.
Shanghai Port will face Shandong Taishan in the FA Cup final on November 23rd, setting the stage for an exciting climax to the domestic cup competition.
Reference(s):
Shanghai Port beat city rivals Shenhua 3-2 at Chinese FA Cup
cgtn.com
