The striking point is that Shanghai Harbor's current helmsman Javier Pereira took the helm of Henan last season. Henan, on the other hand, is now led by Sarko Diaz, the coach of Kunshan FC, whose First Division title-winning team disintegrated last season after winning the championship. Both coaches are from Spain.
Next, let's reveal the starting lineups for both sides.
Shanghai Harbour adopted a 433 formation with Wu Lei partnering Pinko and Caron in the front line to form a trident, Oscar, Cai Huikang and Paulinho in the midfield, Lv Wenjun, Li Ang, Jiang Guangtai, and Wang Sunchao in the back line, and Yan Junling in goal. The total valuation of the starting 11 is a whopping €15.25 million.
Henan started with a 442 formation, led by Huang Zichang and Feng Boyuan in the front line, Chen Keqiang, Diliyimiti, Pina and Gao Tianyi in the midfield, Zhong Yihao, Li Songyi, Gu Chao and Ying Luo in the back line, and Wang Guoming in goal. The overall valuation is only 225,000 euros.
As the game unfolded, the teams engaged in a fierce battle of offense and defense.
In the 23rd minute, Shanghai Seaport broke the deadlock on the field, Oscar's precise pass from the left, Wang Shenchao grabbed the header to break the goal, Shanghai Seaport 1:0 lead over Henan.
Then in the 39th minute, Caron suffered a shoveling from Zhong Yihao in the penalty area, and after VAR confirmation, the referee awarded a penalty kick, which Oscar scored. Shanghai Harbor 2:0 Henan.
In the first half of extra time, Feng Boyuan scored a goal after stealing the ball in the penalty area. Henan 1:2 Shanghai Seaport.
In the 50th minute, Wang Shenchao crossed the ball from the right road, Wu Lei jumped up high and scored a header. Shanghai Harbor 3:1 Henan.
Then in the 69th minute, Huang Zichang made a smart pass and Kovic followed it up with a goal. Henan 2:3 Shanghai Harbor.
At this point of the game, there was no more change in the score. In the end, Shanghai Seaport narrowly beat Henan 3:2 at home with goals from Stanley Wang, Oscar and Wu Lei. After the match, Shanghai Seaport continued to lead the CSL table with 23 points from 9 matches, 7 wins and 2 draws, 5 points ahead of Shanghai Shenhua.
Wu Lei is tied with Leonardo for first place in the scorers' table with 7 goals.
