The ninth round of the Chinese Super League (CSL) has been a controversial affair, with a number of penalty decisions by the Football Association (FA) on the eve of the tournament sparking widespread skepticism. They failed to impose due aggravation for violations, but dealt a heavy blow to the innocent. For a while, the domestic soccer community was full of grievances against the FA and the referees. In the ninth round of the league, there were frequent goal battles, with eight matches producing a total of 30 goals. Teams such as Zhejiang and Shandong Taishan picked up their form and got out of the woods for the time being. Next, we take a look at the latest situation of the table.
The top of the table is still in the hands of Shanghai Seaport. The team won 3-2 at home against Henan, winning four consecutive matches and remaining undefeated in the season. Wu Lei scored a crucial goal and is tied with Leonardo at the top of the scoring charts, with a seven-goal advantage. Shanghai Shenhua defeated Chengdu Rongcheng on the road, although still in second place, but the gap with the harbor has widened to 5 points. Ma Zhen's red color in the match triggered a hot debate. Changchun Yatai continued to play the role of dark horse with a win over Qingdao Hainiu.
The fifth to eighth place teams include Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, Wuhan Sanzhen, Beijing Guoan and Shandong Taishan. Tianjin Jinmen Tigers managed to retain their top five position with a draw away to Meizhou Hakka. Wuhan Three Town's Tao Qianglong exploded out of the blocks with Aziz suspended, scoring four goals in a single game to beat Nantong Zhiyun 5-0. Beijing Guoan's 6-2 win over Cangzhou Lions at home was a multi-faceted success, temporarily freeing them from the pressure of coach Stanley, and tying Wuhan Three Town for the top five spot with just one point. Shandong Taishan beat Shenzhen at home to end their back-to-back road trips and solidify their position in the top eight.
The ninth to twelfth place teams include Meizhou Hakka, Shenzhen, Zhejiang and Qingdao Hainiu. Teams in this zone are still at risk of relegation. Meizhou Hakka is only 3 points above the relegation zone, and one game could turn the situation upside down. Meizhou Hakka have 9 points, while Shenzhen, Zhejiang and Qingdao Hainiu have 8 points. Zhejiang's win over Dalian earned them 3 points, escaping the embarrassment of being at the bottom of the table for several consecutive rounds and temporarily escaping the relegation zone.
The thirteenth to sixteenth place teams included Henan, Cangzhou Lions, Dalian Ren and Nantong Zhiyun. Henan's defeat away to Seaport was expected, while Cangzhou Lions' defeat to Guoan was shocking. Dalian Ren lost to Zhejiang at home, allowing their opponents to escape the bottom and relegation zone. The Dalian People have lost three in a row and eight in a row, and have fallen into the relegation zone. Newly promoted Nantong Zhiyun has yet to gain a foothold in the Chinese Super League. Henan and Cangzhou currently have seven points, while Dalian Ren and Nantong Zhiyun have six.
