In the second stage of the magnificent Chinese Super League, Shanghai Seaport and Shandong Taishan are like two dark horses, leading the table strongly and separating the champion and runner-up. Shanghai Seaport has been in great form lately, winning five consecutive matches like a bolt of lightning through the night sky, making it difficult to foresee their pace of winning the title. However, Shandong Taishan is no slouch either, despite a narrow loss to Zhejiang on the road, they have shown amazing dominance when playing at home, with three consecutive 3-0 victories, which is like an iron wall, making their opponents fearful.
Chengdu Rongcheng, though ranked third in the league, has been in a slump lately, suffering two consecutive defeats, with foreign striker Felipe's suspension adding to the woes. On the other hand, Shandong Taishan, with coach Cui Kangxi's tactical deployment and the team's high morale, have a good chance of winning at home against Chengdu Rongcheng. As for the Cangzhou Lions and Tianjin Jinmen Tigers, Taishan is determined to win, and Cui Kangxi's wisdom and team strength will help Taishan achieve another success.
Taishan will try to win all of their next six home matches to claim 18 points. This not only consolidates the second position in the league, but may also close in on Shanghai Seaport at the top of the table. Even if they don't win the title against the odds, it will still put huge pressure on Seaport.
The rise of the Taishan team has a close relationship with the club's change of shareholders. It is understood that the Culture and Tourism Group has basically withdrawn, Shandong Energy Group became the new owner. The addition of new shareholders, so that Taishan quickly back on track, renewed vitality.
Facing the competition in the Chinese Super League, Taishan's goal is to hit the AFC Champions League. Choi Kang-hee won the AFC Championship while coaching at Jeonbuk Hyundai, and his rich experience will bring more possibilities to Taishan. Currently, the team has introduced Brazilian senior center forward Pato, aiming to enhance the attacking power and ensure the implementation of high-flying tactics.
Taishan team is shouldering the burden of fighting on three fronts: Chinese Super League, AFC Champions League and AFC Cup. As the defending champions, Taishan will not give up the AFC Cup easily. In the quarterfinals, they will challenge Beijing Guoan on the road. Although Guoan is not in good form this season, Taishan is full of confidence and is expected to continue to move forward, defending the AFC Cup title is just around the corner...
