Evergrande approaches to sixth CSL title after big win

The Chinese Super League (CSL) champion Guangzhou Evergrande smashed Liaoning Whowin 6-2 on Sunday, confirming its bellwether position on the table.

Ricardo Goulart initiated the scoring spree for Evergrande in the sixth minute, and his Brazilian compatriot Jose Paulo Bezerra Maciel Junior added the second with a powerful shot in close range.

Liaoning pulled one back when Wang Liang was fouled in the penalty zone in the 23rd minute, and Assani Lukimya converted from the spot.

Zheng Long made it to 3-1 in the 57th minute, and Borges de Carvalho marked his goal seven minutes later after receiving a through ball from Paulinho, before Dario Vidosic kept Liaoning alive with a free-kick in the 65th minute.

In the first minute of the additional time, Zheng Long netted in his sharp-angled shot and Jackson Martinez added the sixth to complete the slaughter for the five-time CSL winner.

With five rounds of games remaining, Evergrande is leading over runner-up Jiangsu Suning by six points.

Shanghai SIPG defeated Hangzhou Greentown 2-1 to stand in the distant 3rd place. Jean Evrard Kouassi broke the ice with a follow-up shot in the 55th minute, and He Guan locked the victory for SIPG with a header, although Anselmo Ramon also found the net for Greetown before the final whistle.

In other two games on Sunday, tailender Shijiazhuang Ever Bright held a goalless draw with Beijing Leshi Guoan, and Henan Jianye downed Shandong Luneng 2-1. Endit