The 28th round of the Chinese Super League (CSL) on Nov. 30 saw a number of key matches come to an end, but with surprising results. Taishan and Wuhan suffered unexpected losses, while Zhejiang beat Guoan and Seaport lost their third consecutive match. In the AFC Champions League, two horse teams advanced.
On the table, Wuhan Sanzhen, despite losing to Changchun Yatai in this round of matches, is still in first place with a record of 21 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses, scoring 79 goals and conceding 25. Shandong Luneng's performance is similar to Wuhan Sanzhen's, with the same 21 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses, but due to the difference in the number of goals scored and conceded, they are in the second place by goal difference.
Taishan were held to two goals in the first half against Cangzhou Lions by Jose Kanter. Although Wu Xinghan pulled a goal back in the second half, Kante's long-range shot widened the gap again. In the end, Cressan's penalty kick was powerless though, and Taishan was defeated 2-3. Cangzhou Lions had 4 shots on goal and scored 3 goals in this campaign, which was amazingly efficient.
Taishan have lost twice in their last three games, giving Wuhan Sanzhen a chance to fight for the top spot in the table when they play later. Against Changchun Yatai, a team with a mediocre record, Wuhan Sanzhen equalized once, but ultimately failed to do so due to an oolong goal. It is worth mentioning that Sanzhen's centerpiece, Stancho, choked his opponent Eric with his hand and head-butted him during the match, which the referee did not penalize, but the CFA may impose additional penalties on him.
Another highlight of the round was Zhejiang's 2-0 win over Beijing Guoan, marking their fourth consecutive victory. Seaport, on the other hand, who had lost back-to-back matches, lost 1-3 against Henan Songshan Longmen. With this match, Zhejiang is alone in third place and a strong contender for the AFC Champions League play-offs. Meanwhile, Wuhan Three Town still leads the table, with the three promoted AFC Champions League horses occupying two seats, a rarity.
In the next round, Taishan will continue to host Shenzhen, while Wuhan Sanzhen will challenge Cangzhou Lions on the road.
