In the just-concluded F.A.C. Cup, Chang'an Athletic and Shanghai Seaport battled it out once again, and just like the last regrettable loss, this time it seems to be even more sobering.
Influenced by the World Cup qualifiers, the eyes of domestic fans are almost all focused on the national football team, and the attention of this year's AFC Cup has decreased compared to the past. However, for Chang'an Athletic and Shaanxi fans, it is undoubtedly a valuable learning opportunity to play against the Chinese Super League powerhouse.
Three and a half years ago, Chang'an Athletic played Shanghai Harbor (then known as Shanghai SIPG) in the AFC Cup. At that time, Wu Lei had not yet left for overseas, and Shanghai Harbor's team was even more star-studded, with many international players leading the team that looked unstoppable.
Facing the challenge of Hong Kong, Chang'an Athletic went all the way, beating Hebei Elite on penalties in the first round, with goalkeeper Song Zhenyu playing heroically. In the second round of the match against the Central League team Zhejiang Greentown, Chang'an Athletic, which was still in the Central League B at the time, again staged a comeback, Du Junpeng broke the goal in two consecutive free kicks.
In the third round against Shanghai SIPG, the provincial stadium was packed with nearly 40,000 old Shaanxi fans cheering for the team. Although the final 1 goal against the opponents to advance, but Changan Athletic in the game performance is still impressive, Shanghai Hong Kong with Wu Lei's goal to get through.
Why do I remember it so clearly? Because I was there for all three matches that year. It was the spring before I graduated from university, and I witnessed Chang'an Athletic's strong performance in the FA Cup that season at the provincial stadium. Now, three and a half years later, I can't help but feel a tinge of regret as the epidemic and work have made it difficult for me to watch the matches live.
However, the performance of Chang'an Athletic is still pleasing. Both sides are not the same as they used to be when they faced their rivals again after two years. Now Chang'an Athletic has been playing in the Central League for two seasons, while Shanghai Harbor has changed its name to Shanghai Seaport. In this match, Chang'an Athletic did not lose any ground against the incomplete squad of the opponent.
Shanghai Seaport took the lead in the first half with a miraculous goal from foreigner Paulinho, but Chang'an Athletic then quickly organized an effective attack and threatened the opponent's goal several times.
Substitute Tambu equalized for his team, and despite the fact that the opponents eventually went back in front again with a penalty kick, Chang'an Athletic's last-minute attack kept the fans happy.
After the game, the two CCTV commentators said, "Chang'an Athletic's team framework is perfect, and Shanghai Seaport won very hard." I think only those who have experienced the struggle of Chang'an Athletic can realize this kind of comment. Still, we hope that one day Chang'an Athletic can stand on the highest stage of Chinese Super Soccer.
