The importance of this game cannot be overstated. Before the match, Qingdao Hainiu had 9 points, ranked 15th and located in the relegation zone. Although they stopped their 5-game losing streak by beating Dalian Ren 1-1 on the road in the last round, getting 1 point didn't quench their thirst; what's more upsetting is that they could have gotten 3 points in the last round. Unfortunately, they were defeated by Dalian Ren in the extra time, which made the 3 points they got become 1 point. In this case, Qingdao Hainiu's only goal is to fight for 3 points this time when they return home.
Cangzhou Lions, coached by former international player Zhao Junzhe, moved up to 10th place with 16 points after beating Zhejiang 2-1 in the last round and emerging from a 0-1 defeat at home to Henan. They certainly don't want to go home empty-handed as they face Qingdao Hainiu on the road.
With Qingdao Hainiu returning to the Chinese Super League after 10 years and Cangzhou Lions having a history of only 12 years (since its predecessor, Xiamen Junhao), the two teams have barely played each other in the professional game. As far as I can remember, the two teams have only met twice in the 2014 China First Division. At that time, the team names were:Qingdao Zhongneng and Shijiazhuang Yongchang, with both sides winning 1-0 at home.
Now, Qingdao Manatees and Cangzhou Lions will meet for the first time in the Chinese Super League. Both sides are eager to score 3 points on each other. So, who will have the last laugh? Let's wait and see.
