Observing this chart, it is easy to see that Guangzhou's opponents look slightly inferior to Dalian Yingbo. Especially for the top four teams, Guangzhou only had to face Dalian Yingbo. Dalian Yibo, on the other hand, is a different story, as three of the top four teams will have to face each other again. So it seems that Dalian Yibo does not have full confidence.
It was at this point that Guangzhou had their chance! Given the away win in the first round, the two sides will return to Guangzhou's home ground for a rematch in the second round. Guangzhou had to capitalize on this opportunity and beat their opponents again. Not only does this mean a double kill against Dalian Yibo this season, but it is also a 6-point battle. Once Guangzhou wins, the gap between them and their rivals will narrow from 7 to 4 points.
Meanwhile, Dalian Yibo may not be able to secure a win against Chongqing Tongliang Dragon and Yunnan Yukun. If Dalian Yibo loses to Yunnan Yukun again, the difference between Guangzhou and Dalian Yibo could be further reduced to 1 point. If Chongqing Tongliang Dragon can draw with Dalian Yingbo after changing coaches, Guangzhou is expected to extend its lead to 2 points.
However, this is all based on assumptions. Even if Dalian Yingbo suffers a setback, Guangzhou must keep their winning streak alive, otherwise the possibility of going directly beyond is almost nil. In other words, in the next 9 rounds of matches, Guangzhou can't afford any slip-ups, and draws need to be avoided in order to secure direct promotion to the Chinese Super League.
On the soccer field, it's all in the eye of the beholder. Perhaps Guangzhou lost out on the Super League at the end of this season, but as long as they keep up this athleticism, and build on the foundation of these soccer-school-trained players, they might actually be able to soar to the top next season and realize that super dream.
