On May 28, 2023, a key match was played between Qingdao Hainiu and Shandong Taishan, which was the 10th round of the "Qilu Derby" in the 2023 Chinese Super League season. In the end, with Liu Binbin's goal, Taishan beat Hainiu by 1-0, continuing the momentum of victory with Hainiu. Since Choi Kang-hee became the head coach of Taishan, the team's spirit has been significantly improved.
After 9 years, Qilu derby recreates the passion
Since last week, the purest and most representative "Qilu derby" has created a fervor online and in Shandong Province. This is the first time in nine seasons that Hainiu and Taishan have faced each other in the Chinese Super League. As pioneers of professional soccer in China, Taishan and Hainiu were the first two professional teams in Shandong Province. They have been active in the top tier of the Chinese professional league since its inception in 1994, when Taishan became one of the founding teams of the AA League, while Manatee finished second in the First Division in the same year, despite failing to advance.
It wasn't until 2013 that Qingdao Zhongneng (i.e. Hainiu) was relegated to the Central League, ending the last "Qilu Derby" of the season. Although Qingdao Yellow Sea has since been promoted to the Chinese Super League, the historical rivalry with Shandong Taishan is not comparable in terms of details and topics.
Choi Kang-hee revolutionizes Taishan as victory continues
In the 2013 season, Taishan had a double win over Hainiu at home and on the road, and held a win and a draw in the 2012 season. in the 2011 season, Hainiu had completed a double win over Taishan at home and on the road, but the win failed to break the longstanding rivalry between the two teams. In Choi Kang-hee's third game since taking over, Taishan showed a new look for the team with a 3-0 win on the road against Tianjin Jinmen Tigers.
Choi Kang-hee's arrival has brought new vitality to Taishan, which has not only improved its performance under his rule, but also renewed its mental outlook. In the "Qilu Derby" with Manatee, Taishan not only beat their old rivals, but also won their first away win of the season. In this game, both in offense and defense, the players went all out. Wang Tong and Ji Xiang, the wingbacks, showed great fighting spirit and passion in the game.
