Off the wire
• Thousands of Filipinos beat last day of voters' registration for 2016 polls  • Major news items in leading German newspapers  • Roundup: Frequent exchange of high-level visits highlights closer China-South Korea ties  • News Analysis: Cambodia's political tension rises as opposition deputy leader removed as vice president  • Abu Dhabi aims for 20 pct increase of British tourists  • Spotlight: New circumstances demand China-Japan-ROK cooperation back on balanced track  • Weather forecast for major Chinese cities, regions -- Oct. 31  • Weather forecast for world cities -- Oct. 31  • Feature: Vancouver millionaire builds haunted house to raise charity fund  • Seoul citizens enjoy Chinese folk performances in 3rd China Day  
You are here: 　 Home

Guangdong beats Beijing to claim 5th consecutive title in Chinese Super League

Xinhua, October 31, 2015 Adjust font size:

Guangdong Evergrande beat Beijing Guoan 2-0 in the last round of the Chinese Super League to win its fifth straight  league title in a row here on Saturday.

   Guangdong's Ricardo Goulart opened the scoring in the 44th minute with a penalty shot after Beijing midfielder Ha Dae-Sung's handball in the area. 

   In the 54th minute, Beijing's Dejan Damjanovic tried to make it equal when his shot went into the left corner of the net, but the scoring was denied due to off-side. 

   Guangdong enlarged the lead in the 87th minute as Brazil midfielder Paulinho converted in Zheng Long's free-kick. 

   "It's a fierce match," said Guangdong coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. "We gave our opponents some chances at the beginning of the match, but we found our rhythm and seized the chances. We deserve the champion."

   Guangdong only had one league loss this season and claimed 19 wins and 10 ties en route to retain the title with a two-point advantage.

   Guangdong will meet Al Ahli of UAE in the AFC Champions League final on Nov. 7 and Nov. 21 respectively. 

   "I think we are definitely a great team," said the Brazilian. "We only had one draw in 10 away games since I have been the head coach."

   It was the farewell match for Beijng's left winger Shao Jiayi, as the 35-year-old announced retirement two days ago. Shao got the chance to play in the 71st minute and won enthusiastic applauses.

   Shanghai SIPG edged Liaoning whowin 2-1 on Saturday to rank the second in the total standings, while Shandong Luneng third and Beijing fourth. Beijing failed to qualify for the AFC Champions League next season. 

   "It was a close contest," said Beijing's coach Gregorio Manzano. "I had expected a 0-0 half-time scoreline, but unluckily we had to enter the second half with a 0-1 deficit. We created some chances in the second half but our opponents were experienced and kept their lead. We did our best."

   Shandong's striker Aloisio was the top scorer of the league with 22 goals. Guizhou Renhe and Shanghai Shenxin were relegated. Guizhou tied Changchun Yatai 2-2 at home on Saturday.

   Also on Saturday, Chongqing Lifan tied Tianjin Teda 1-1; Hangzhou Greentown beat Shanghai Shenxin 4-2; Henan Jianye won over Guangzhou R&F 1-0; Shandong Luneng defeated Shijiazhuang Ever Bright 3-1; Shanghai Shenhua trounced Jiangsu Sainty 3-1.  Endi