On July 18, 2025, at 16:30 Beijing time, the 17th round of the Chinese Super League kicked off with a high-stakes encounter at Changchun Sports Center. The home side, Changchun Yatai, faced Shanghai Port in a match laden with significance: Yatai fought to escape the relegation zone, while Shanghai Port aimed to close the gap with the league leaders. Ultimately, Shanghai Port delivered an impressive performance to secure a 3-1 victory, extending their winning streak to four games. This result leaves them just one point behind the top spot after playing one fewer match, reigniting their title ambitions. Conversely, Changchun Yatai suffered their eighth defeat in nine matches, remaining trapped in the relegation battle.
From the opening whistle, both teams engaged intensely. By the 7th minute, Shanghai Port’s attacking threat surfaced as the ball was crossed into Yatai’s penalty area. A clearance attempt by Su Zu collided with goalkeeper Wu Yake, but timely intervention from teammates cleared the danger, allowing Yatai to avert an early crisis. At the 15th minute, a drone flying over the stadium forced a temporary halt. After police intervention, the game resumed five minutes later.
The match’s attacking tempo intensified when, at the 27th minute, Gabriel of Shanghai Port unleashed a powerful long-range shot just outside the box. Although the attempt missed the target, it highlighted both his shooting prowess and the visiting side’s offensive pressure. Eight minutes on, Liu Ruofan fired a shot from the edge of the area, which Wu Yake skillfully saved, as Shanghai Port continued to exert pressure around Yatai’s defensive third.
Changchun Yatai found an opportunity at the 40th minute when Omoihuanev headed just wide, exposing vulnerabilities in Shanghai Port’s right center-back Zhang Linpeng’s defense. Zhang’s advancing age contributed to his slower recovery pace, creating exploitable gaps. The first half's stoppage time witnessed dramatic developments: in the first minute, Wang Shenchao delivered a precise cross from the byline; Abduhamiti’s failed clearance led to a disastrous own goal, giving Shanghai Port a 1-0 lead. Four minutes later, Omoihuanev appeared to score from a controlled touch and shot, but the referee disallowed the goal due to a prior handball, a decision upheld after VAR review. The controversial ruling provoked displeasure from Yatai’s coach Suarez, who received a yellow card. The half ended with Shanghai Port ahead by one goal.
After the interval, Shanghai Port played with more control and confidence. In the 63rd minute, their new signing Melendo left the field injured, replaced by Kuai Jiwen, while Liu Ruofan made way for Li Xinxiang. Seven minutes later, Kuai Jiwen intercepted the ball at midfield and initiated a swift counterattack, drawing defenders before setting up Gabriel at the edge of the box. Gabriel’s precise inward cut and shot doubled Shanghai Port’s lead to 2-0.
At the 78th minute, a pivotal moment occurred when Li Xinxiang fouled Park Taoyu inside the penalty area. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, converted by Omoihuanev to reduce the deficit to 1-2, reigniting hopes for Yatai.
In the dying moments of the match, both teams opened up play. During injury time, with Yatai committing players forward and leaving their defense exposed, Kuai Jiwen capitalized on a counterattack and assisted Xu Xin for an uncontested goal. The 3-1 final score cemented Shanghai Port’s victory.
Statistically, Shanghai Port dominated possession and shots, showcasing high offensive efficiency despite occasional defensive lapses. Changchun Yatai created chances but lacked clinical finishing, with defensive errors proving costly.
Changchun Yatai Starting XI:
23 - Wu Yake (GK), 2 - Abduhamiti Abdugeni, 4 - Rosic (F), 15 - Xu Haofeng, 17 - He Yiran, 20 - Xuan Zhijian, 31 - Su Zu (F), 21 - Park Taoyu, 37 - Zhao Yingjie, 10 - Omoihuanev (F), 29 - Tan Long
Changchun Yatai Substitutes:
1 - An Zhicheng, 30 - Sun Qinhan, 3 - Wang Yaopeng, 5 - Li Shenyuan, 6 - Zhang Huachen, 11 - Tian Yuda, 18 - Jing Boxi, 19 - Xu Yue, 24 - Yan Zhiyu, 27 - Juan Camilo (F), 42 - Zou Dehai, 80 - Wu Zhicheng
Shanghai Port Starting XI:
1 - Yan Junling (GK), 3 - Jiang Guangtai, 4 - Wang Shenchao, 5 - Zhang Linpeng, 23 - Fu Huan, 10 - Matheus Vital (F), 21 - Melendo (F), 22 - Matheus Rosa (F), 26 - Liu Ruofan, 30 - Gabriel (F), 45 - Leonardo (F)
Shanghai Port Substitutes:
12 - Chen Wei, 2 - Li Ang, 6 - Xu Xin, 13 - Wei Zhen, 14 - Li Shenglong, 27 - Feng Jin, 36 - Abulahan Halik, 40 - Wumiti Jiang Yusupu, 47 - Kuai Jiwen, 49 - Li Xinxiang, 52 - Meng Jingchao
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Player Ratings and Performances:
Gabriel: Serving as a key offensive figure for Shanghai Port, Gabriel was outstanding. He registered four shots, three on target, scoring a crucial goal at the 71st minute that widened the lead. Defensively, he contributed three successful tackles, reflecting strong awareness and work rate. His overall rating reached 9, supported by a 70% personal possession rate and minimal fouls, underscoring his efficiency and reliability. Gabriel also actively participated in corner kick tactics, creating scoring chances.
Leonardo: Operating as the striker, Leonardo played a vital role as a pivot. Although he did not score, his three shots and ability to hold off defenders troubled Yatai’s backline. He contributed two tackles and earned a 7 rating, with a 65% possession rate. His physicality and aerial presence put pressure on Yatai’s defense during set pieces.
Liu Ruofan: On the flank, Liu was energetic and vital to Shanghai Port’s offense. He attempted two shots (one on target) and frequently exploited his pace to breach Yatai’s defense. Defensively, he made two tackles and earned an 8 rating. His 68all possession and disciplined play aided both attack and defense.
Matheus Vital: In midfield, Vital was essential for both orchestrating attacks and disrupting Yatai’s efforts. Completing 60 passes with an 85% success rate, he intercepted the ball four times. Despite no goals, his playmaking earned him an 8 rating. He controlled midfield tempo with 75% possession and demonstrated tactical intelligence in set pieces.
Melendo: Making his debut, Melendo’s impact was curtailed by injury at the 63rd minute. In limited time, he touched the ball 47 times with a 76% passing accuracy, including one shot and one unsuccessful dribble. Defensively, he recorded one tackle. Despite no goals or assists, his performance earned a 7 rating. His 70% possession rate highlighted his involvement, though he struggled to sync fully with teammates.
Matheus Rosa: Tasked with defensive midfield duties, Rosa’s 80% passing success and five tackles protected the defensive line efficiently. He earned an 8 rating for his solid work, maintaining 72% possession and playing a critical role in marking opponents during set pieces.
Wang Shenchao: Active on the left flank, Wang completed 40 passes at 78ccuracy and created attacking opportunities despite not scoring. His defense included three tackles. He scored a 7 rating with a 68% possession rate, contributing in both offensive and defensive phases.
Jiang Guangtai: A key central defender, Jiang was reliable throughout, completing six successful clearances and three tackles. His composure and aerial duels earned him an 8 rating, with 65all control, helping to stabilize the backline.
Zhang Linpeng: Playing at right center-back, Zhang’s experience was evident but he showed vulnerabilities. Four successful clearances and two tackles were overshadowed by defensive lapses that contributed to Yatai’s attacking chances. His rating was 6, with 60% possession, highlighting areas for improvement.
Fu Huan: Starting as a full-back, Fu had a subdued game with only 25 passes at 70ccuracy and limited defensive support. His lack of influence earned a 5 rating. He was substituted early in the second half.
Yan Junling: The goalkeeper delivered a strong performance with five crucial saves, managing high balls and maintaining command of his area. He earned an 8 rating despite conceding one goal, which was not attributable to him. His leadership in organizing the defense was vital.
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Substitutes’ Impact:
Kuai Jiwen: Coming on for the injured Melendo at 63 minutes, Kuai immediately energized Shanghai Port’s attack. He assisted two goals, including the crucial third in injury time, made 15 passes at 80ccuracy, and contributed a tackle. His performance earned an 8 rating, his involvement pivotal to securing victory.
Li Xinxiang: Replacing Liu Ruofan, Li showed some attacking effort but was marred by a defensive error leading to a penalty at the 78th minute. Completing 10 passes with 75ccuracy and committing one foul, his rating was 6. Defensive focus is needed for future matches.
Xu Xin: Entering late in stoppage time, Xu scored the match-sealing goal with a tap-in during a counterattack. He completed 5 passes at 80ccuracy and made one tackle, earning a 7 rating. His contribution highlighted the value of effective substitutions.
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In conclusion, Shanghai Port’s clinical attacking and overall control secured a vital away win, while Changchun Yatai’s defensive errors and inability to capitalize on chances contributed to their continued struggles near the bottom of the table.
