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Chongqing stun defending champions Guangzhou 2-1 in Chinese Super League

Xinhua, March 6, 2016 Adjust font size:

Guangzhou Evergrande were stunned by Chongqing Lifan 2-1 in the first round as the Chinese Super League (CSL) defending champions were sent packing from their away opener on Sunday.

Forward Fernando Henrique da Conceicao scored his fabulous solo goal to put Chongqing ahead in 32nd minute. The 22-year-old Brazilian ran from his own penalty area to slam the ball into the net at ease, slicing open Guangzhou's defensive fortress with fluent and confident strides.

Ten minutes latger, the visitors equalized through the 42-million-euro striker Jackson Martinez who headed in the corner ball, which was the Colombian's first goal since his transfer from Atletico Madrid.

Fernando then repeated his feat in the 74th minute when he received the ball at the halfway line and ran towards the goal mouth, as neither two defenders nor goalkeeper Zeng Cheng could stop him from scoring his second goal, also the winner for the home side.

Despite the victory in the CSL Super Cup over Jiangsu Suning on Feb. 27, Guangzhou suffered the worst opening of a season ever as they tied Pohang Steelers 0-0 and lost to Sydney FC 1-2 in the first two matches of the AFC Champions League.

Elsewhere, Shijiazhuang Ever Bright lost 1-0 to Liaoning Whowin at home as former SV Werder Bremen centre back Assani Lukimya-Mulongoti netted the free-kick in the 72nd minute.

However, Shijiazhuang coach Yasen Petrov was satisfied with the performance of his players, saying "we've tried our best, but this is football. Sometimes they seize one chance, they win."

Hangzhou Greentown upset the visiting Changchun Yatai 2-1 as the 27-year-old Chen Po-Liang of Chinese Taipei netted first to put the home side ahead in three minutes.

Australian veteran Tim Cahill, who scored 11 goals for Shanghai Greenland last season, helped to extend the lead 2-0 by converting from the spot in 20 minutes.

Changchun only managed to pull back one in the 70th minute when Bolivian striker Marcelo Moreno headed in an excellent pass from Zhang Xiaofei into the lower left.

With only one match remaining in the first round between Beijing Guoan and Tianjin Teda, the big spender Jiangsu Suning topped the CSL table due to goal difference. Fernando from Chongqing and Alex Teixeira from Jiangsu tied for the top scorers list with two goals apiece.

The second round will start next Friday. Endit