As night falls, the curtain rises on the 2024 Chinese Super League, with Shandong Taishan and Changchun Yatai taking to the pitch at 1800hrs, and Pudong Football Stadium hosting the marquee match between defending champions Shanghai Seaport and Wuhan Sanzhen at 2000hrs.
18:00 -- First Round Match: Shandong Taishan vs Changchun Yatai
Shandong Taishan's first-round match had to be brought forward as their AFC Champions League quarter-final clash with Yokohama Mariners is coming up in five days' time. Unfortunately, Liao Li was absent due to injury. It will be interesting to see if new signing Cressan can help Taishan win the opener tonight.
19:35 -- First Round Matchup: Qingdao Coast v. Henan
With the return of 34-year-old naturalized player Alan to the Chinese Super League, Qingdao West Coast should not be underestimated with its dark horse momentum. In Henan, the club completed its shareholding reform, becoming the only one of the 16 teams in the Chinese Super League to successfully sell its team name.
20:00 -- First Round Matchup (Opening Match): Shanghai Harbor vs. Wuhan Sanzhen
Shanghai Seaport's road to defending their title this season is full of challenges, and the recent loss in the Super Cup against Shenhua has certainly dealt a blow to the team's morale. Whether Jiang Guangtai can make a comeback in this crucial battle is in the spotlight. The fifth foreigner, Chitadini, is also expected to integrate into the team quickly.
