Shanghai Shenhua soars as Changchun Yatai struggles in Chinese Super League
Changchun Yatai was held to a 1-1 draw against Shenzhen Peng City on Wednesday, extending their winless streak to seven rounds in the Chinese Super League (CSL), while Shanghai Shenhua cemented its leading position with a commanding 4-0 victory over Cangzhou Mighty Lions.
Robert Beric put Changchun ahead in the 56th minute with a close-range shot from Sergio Antonio Soler de Oliveira Junior's pass. Shenzhen restored the parity 17 minutes later with Rade Dugalic's header. Despite both sides having opportunities, neither could find the winning goal.
With only five points earned from nine matches, the 2007 CSL winner now sits at the bottom of the standings.
Xu Haoyang gave Shanghai an early lead with a follow-up shot in the third minute, and Chinese international defender Zhu Chenjie doubled the advantage with a powerful shot in the 51st minute.
Andre Luis made it 3-0 in the 76th minute. Cao Yunding, making his 300th appearance in the CSL, assisted Luis for his second goal of the match before the final whistle.
Having notched seven wins and two draws from nine games this season, Shanghai Shenhua leads the table with 23 points.
Meanwhile, another Shanghai side, Shanghai Port, maintained its unbeaten record with a dominant 5-0 victory over Qingdao Hainiu. Wu Lei and Gustavo Henrique da Silva Sousa each scored twice, while Wang Shenchao netted his second goal of the season.
Shanghai Port trails its city rival by five points in third place, with a game in hand.
Elsewhere on Wednesday, Chengdu Rongcheng and Wuhan Three Towns played to a 2-2 draw.