Super League Elevation and Lowering Playoff Highlights
In the second round of the Chinese Super League (CSL) promotion playoffs on January 12, Dalian and Chengdu Rongcheng played each other, with Dalian losing 0-1, while Qingdao and Zhejiang shook hands 0-0. Dalian lost 1-2 on aggregate to Chengdu Rongcheng, while Qingdao lost 0-1 on aggregate to Zhejiang. 2021 Chinese Super League season came to an end, with Chengdu Rongcheng and Zhejiang successfully reaching the Super League.
The first round match between Dalian Ren and Chengdu Rongcheng ended in a 1-1 draw. Referee Li Haixin's controversial penalty in the second half angered the Dalian Ren team, causing players and officials to mob the referee. The CFA issued a heavy fine totaling 830,000 RMB to the Dalian Ren club on January 11, and two players, Zheng Long and Yang Hao Yu, were suspended from the match, which had a noticeable effect on the Dalian Ren's morale.
Both teams had scoring chances in the first half but failed to capitalize on them. In the second half, Chengdu Rongcheng showed a strong desire to win, and in the 72nd minute, midfielder Romulo scored from a long distance to seal the game. Chengdu Rongcheng was promoted to the Chinese Super League for the first time, and Sichuan soccer had a top league team again after 10 years.
In the match between Qingdao and Zhejiang, Qingdao intended to turn the game around, foreign aid Alexandrini returned to the game and started with a strong attack, but with no luck. Zhejiang made many counter-attacks, and foreign aid Mu Xiekui missed a good opportunity. In the second half, Zhejiang midfielder Gu Bin two free kicks to create a threat, the final two sides 0-0 draw. Zhejiang returned to the Chinese Super League after six years.
The Chinese Super League will expand to 18 teams in the 2022 season, with four teams from the Central League, Wuhan Sanzhen, Meizhou Hakka, Chengdu Rongcheng and Zhejiang, set to compete in the Super League. Four Guangdong teams - Guangzhou, Guangzhou City, Shenzhen and Meizhou Hakka - will also play in the Chinese Super League.
