Shanghai Shenhua solidified their position atop the Chinese Super League (CSL) with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Henan on Sunday, avenging a midweek Chinese FA Cup defeat in a high-stakes rematch at Shanghai Stadium. The win extends their lead over rivals Shanghai Port to six points, keeping them firmly on track for a title challenge.
Redemption After Cup Heartbreak
Just four days after Henan eliminated Shenhua 8-7 on penalties in a chaotic CFA Cup quarterfinal, the two teams clashed again in league action. Shenhua struck first when defender Jiang Shenglong powered in a 17th-minute header, but Henan’s Bruno Nazario leveled the score with a penalty in stoppage time. A defensive blunder by Henan’s Iago Maidana allowed Joao Teixeira to restore Shenhua’s lead before halftime, while Luis Asue’s 57th-minute strike proved decisive despite Frank Acheampong’s late consolation goal.
League Implications and Standings
The victory underscores Shenhua’s resilience in a tightly contested CSL season. Other weekend results saw Shandong Taishan dominate Meizhou Hakka 3-0, while Zhejiang edged Wuhan Three Towns 3-2 in another five-goal thriller. With the league now entering a critical phase, Shenhua’s ability to balance domestic and cup competitions will be closely watched by investors and football analysts tracking China’s rapidly evolving sports industry.
