Just a few days ago, Guangzhou Evergrande was relegated after a glorious run, and the team that had won the Chinese Super League title eight times and the Asian Champions League twice was about to bid farewell to the top league. For those who have been following Chinese soccer for a decade, Evergrande's exciting chapter in Asia and the world has been a great inspiration, especially when the national team's performance has been disappointing. Today, let's count down the five classic battles of Evergrande, and together we will remember the once dominant Asian champions.
1. **5:1 defeat of Jeonbuk Hyundai** At the time when Chinese soccer was at its lowest point, both men's and women's soccer had no chance to compete in the London Olympics, and the national soccer team also exited early in Brazil. Guangzhou Evergrande beat Jeonbuk Hyundai 5:1 on the road, bringing a long-lost pride to the fans. In this game, Evergrande's foreigners scored all the goals, Kongka and Cleo scored two goals each, and Muric also got a goal. 2. **8:1 Sweep of Kashiwa Reysol** Despite finishing in the quarterfinals of the 2012 AFC Champions League, Evergrande made a comeback the following year, sweeping away Kashiwa Reysol with an 8:1 bloodbath. In the knockout rounds, they beat Japan, South Korea, Australia and West Asian teams in quick succession before finally beating Seoul in the final on their way to the title.
3. **Beat Al Ahli 2:0** Chinese teams played in the World Cup again after 2002, Evergrande won the AFC Championship and qualified for the Club World Cup. They beat Egyptian champions Al Ahly 2:0 in the Club World Cup and have a chance to talk to Bayern.
4. **Dubai Al Ahli 1:0 win** After an unlucky 2014, Evergrande brought in strong reinforcements such as Golat and Paulinho in 2015, and were much stronger after the change of manager Scolari. They won the title again, winning the AFC Champions League twice in three years.
5. **2:1 victory over Mexico America** Evergrande made another appearance in the Club World Cup and shocked the world when they won 2:1 against North American champions Mexico America. Paulinho and Li Shuai played valiantly and Zheng Long became the first Chinese player to score. Despite the end of the golden dollar era and the limited talent pool, it is difficult for Chinese Super League clubs to replicate Evergrande's glory in a short time. But I wish Guangzhou team will return to the top soon and create another glory.
