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Spirited Yanbian frustrates Pellegrini, virtually avoids relegation

Xinhua, September 17, 2016 Adjust font size:

Steve Trawally scored his volley shot as a spirited Yanbian Fude managed for a 3-2 win over Hebei China Fortune in the 25th round of the Chinese Super League (CSL) here on Saturday.

With six games remaining in the season, the newly-promoted Yanbian accumulated 32 points to rank seventh in the 16-team league, a virtual safe placing from relegaion as only last two squads will be dropped to the Chinese first division league next season.

However, former Real Madrid and Man City's manager Manuel Pellegrini lost his first game in China as head coach for Hebei China Fortune. Yet, the Chilean said that he was satisfied with the performance of his players.

In the fifth minute, Aloisio dos Santos Goncalves broke the ice for the visitors with a wonderful lob, but Yanbian replied with two goals before the half break as Kim Seung-Dae converted from the spot in the 42nd minute, and Steve helped Yanbian to turn over the table in the injury time.

In the 61st minute, Aloisio had his second goal, an equaliser also from the penalth spot, before Yanbian captain Cui Min netted the winning header from a corner kick in the 77th minute.

For the new season, Hebei China Fortune has snapped up big-name footballers with lavish spending in the international transfer market, including Argentine forward Ezequiel Lavezzi, the fifth most expensive soccer player in the world with a weekly salary of 400,000 pounds.

However, Yanbian only imported some inexpensive players last winter.

"My players are hungry more for victory than for money. They are all eager to prove themselves on the best stage for Chinese soccer players," said Park Tae-Ha, head coach of Yabian at the beginning of the season.

"I want to thank my players for bringing us a surprise," Park added at the post-match briefing.

In the other game on Saturday, Jiangsu Suning defeated Tianjin Teda 2-0 to close the gap to three points against leaders Guangzhou Hengda Taobao.

On Friday, Changchun Yatai, who stands next to the bottom, beat Guangzhou R&F 3-1 to narrow the gap to three points against its closest rival Hangzhou Greencity. Endit