All 16 Chinese Super League (CSL) teams featured in the third round of the 2023 Chinese FA Cup from June 22 to 25, Beijing time. Except for Chengdu Rongcheng, Cangzhou Lions and Shenzhen, which were eliminated, the other 13 Chinese Super League teams advanced smoothly. Chongqing Tongliang Dragons and Nantong Haimen Kotanyi from the Second Division, and Qingdao West Coast's "The Following Victory" from the First Division will be eliminated from the Super League. Tongliang Dragons and Koeijin will face each other directly in the fourth round of the FA Cup, with the winner locking up a place in the last eight of this year's FA Cup.
The two teams in the middle B show the background color of the "dark horse"
As lower level teams are given priority in choosing their home ground, and the use of foreign aid by Chinese Super League teams is restricted, the power gap between teams of different levels has narrowed, and the suspense of advancement has greatly increased.On June 23rd, Chongqing Tongliang Dragons hosted Chengdu Chengdu. In the eyes of 13,217 fans, after 90 minutes of intense fighting, Chongqing Tongliang Dragons drew 0-0 with Chengdu Chengdu, and won 4-2 on penalties, eliminating Chengdu Chengdu, who is currently ranked third in the Chinese Super League standings. Earlier, Chongqing Tongliang Dragons were very unpopular in the second round of the FA Cup, sweeping China's first division team Shijiazhuang 3-0 in a show of dark horse form. Nantong Haimenke Jieyuan, also playing in China's second division, were at home and drew 1-1 with Shenzhen in 90 minutes. The penalty shootout, with five penalties, eliminated the Shenzhen team with a total score of 6-5, joining Chongqing Tongliang Dragons to advance to the fourth round. According to the schedule, the two China B teams will play a direct match in the fourth round, with the China B teams drawing 1-1 in 90 minutes.
In addition, with goals from Tian Yong and Guo Yi, China West Coast beat Cangzhou Lions of the Chinese Super League 2-1, also accomplishing the feat of "the following victory". Qingdao West Coast has been doing well in the China First Division this season, currently sitting in second place in the league table, with both front lines advancing at the same time, showing good competitiveness.
New coach focuses on FA Cup matches
In addition to the two "dark horses" of China B, this round of the FA Cup also ushered in the debut of many new coaches. Teams with new coaches also performed well in this round of the FA Cup. Under the command of new coach Luis Suarez, Beijing Guoan won Zibo Qisheng 1-0 in Zibo and successfully advanced to the fourth round. With the departure of Dutch Stanley, Guoan's technical and tactical style is bound to be adjusted to a certain extent, and the FA Cup undoubtedly provides the perfect opportunity for Suarez to get to know his team and familiarize himself with the Chinese league.
Under the command of new coach Gao, Wuhan Sanzhen defeated Jiangxi Lushan 5-1, reproducing the strong offensive firepower of the defending Chinese Super League champions. Foreign striker Yakubu Aziz scored two goals and gradually found his scoring touch.On June 16, Nantong Zhiyun officially announced that the famous Barcelona player Gabri. Garcia joined the team as the new coach of the team. The away game against Heilongjiang Bingcheng became Garcia's "debut" as coach of the team. In the end, with the goals of Gui Hong, Zheng Hao Gan and Amiran, Nantong Zhiyun beat the opponent 3-0, and Garcia also ushered in a good start to his coaching of Nantong Zhiyun.
This round also ushered in the coach of Yunnan Yukun, which failed to go cold, but under the command of new coach Shi Jun, Yunnan Yukun played well, once leading Shenhua 1-0 and almost forcing Shenhua into a desperate situation. However, as a veteran powerhouse of the FA Cup, Shenhua showed considerable mental fortitude at key moments, chasing down adversity and danger with Fernando's header and veteran Yu Hanchao's winner.
Determination of the match-ups for the fourth round
After this round of matches, the situation of the fourth round of the 2023 CFA Cup has also been finalized. According to the schedule, the eight matches of the fourth round will be held on July 25-26 in Beijing time, and the single-elimination system will still be used. According to the 2023 CFA Cup rules, "For both sides from different related competitions, the second-ranked team will be prioritized to play at home; for both sides from the same competition, the team with the lower league ranking from the previous season will be prioritized to play at home."
Therefore, in the first half, Dalian Ren host Henan, Qingdao West Coast host Beijing Guoan, Meizhou Hakka host Shandong Taishan, and Shanghai Port host Tianjin Jinmen Tigers.
In the second half, Nantong Zhiyun hosts Wuhan Sanzhen, Changchun Yatai faces Qingdao Hainiu on the road, and Zhejiang faces Shanghai Shenhua on the road, staging a "Yangtze River Delta derby". Chongqing Tongliang Dragons and Nantong Haimen can be seen in a direct match between the two Chinese B teams. Chongqing Tongliang Dragons, who have just been promoted to China B this season, will prioritize their home field.
