With only 11 rounds of matches left, Shanghai Port is already 11 points ahead of its rivals in the Chinese Super League (CSL), who seem to be struggling to resist its momentum, and its lead is getting closer and closer to that of the former eight-champion Guangzhou Evergrande. With this kind of momentum, the next Chinese Super League champion is just around the corner. The outspokenness of the media seems to be foreshadowing this prediction.
In the face of Shanghai Port's brilliant victory, media personality Miao Yuan boldly predicted on social media that Shanghai Port would not be the Chinese Super League champion in the coming years. He wrote impassionedly, "Early trophy presentation, as long as they are not the devil, the inevitable choice of the champion in the next few years."
The rise of Shanghai Port is no accident. The Chinese Super League is unique in its first investment, first strength, first salary and first value. In addition, the team owes no wages, has excellent logistical security, and has fewer injuries to players, advantages that leave other teams in the dust.
Currently, Shandong Taishan is the only opponent that can pose a threat to Shanghai Port. However, Shandong Taishan is going through an eventful period, and although Cui Kangxi has tried his best to fill in the holes since he took over, Shanghai Port has long since left them behind, and other competitors are also in trouble.
Against this backdrop, it seems a foregone conclusion that Shanghai Port will lead the way and win the title, not to mention their unity this year.
With a 5-0 victory over Shenhua in the Shanghai Derby, Shanghai Port has locked up the Super League title with only two-thirds of the season completed. Compared to its rivals, Shanghai Port has a clear lead, with an 11-point gap that seems to be an insurmountable chasm.
However, this is not the biggest gap. All indications are that Shanghai Port's points will continue to climb in the remaining 11 rounds. Other teams may "admit defeat" early in desperation and send in substitutes, while Shanghai Harbor maintains its winning record or 10 wins and 1 draw in these 11 rounds.
With such a huge lead, an early award would not seem out of place. What's even more frustrating for other rivals is that if Shanghai Port continues to invest more, the Chinese Super League title will be virtually "contracted" for the next few years. As long as Oscar is retained, Shanghai Port will continue to win the title.
Oscar's contract expires at the end of 2024. If they win the title again in 2024, he might extend his contract for another year or two and win three or four titles in a row. Even if Oscar eventually leaves and goes to one of Europe's top five leagues to find a good foreigner, Shanghai Port is well-funded and need not worry about a title drought.
For example, Shanghai Port recently brought in a new foreigner, Lucas João. The strength is so strong and continues to grow, just like those students who are always at the top of their class, they work harder than you. How do the other Chinese Super League teams compete? I don't fight to lose!
What is the significance of Shanghai Port's 11-point lead?In 2013, Guangzhou Evergrande won the title for the third consecutive time with an 18-point advantage, six wins ahead of Shandong Luneng. Evergrande won the title three rounds ahead of schedule (in fact, with one less round to play, they should have won the title four rounds ahead of schedule). Whether it's three or four rounds early, Shanghai Port is expected to break that record this year. 2013, Lippi led Evergrande to create the "Evergrande Dynasty". Now, the dynasty is fading. Who will be the next Chinese Super League champions? Shanghai and Hong Kong are ready to start the "Harbor Dynasty" and wait for the flowers to bloom.
