In an intense competition, Shenhua reversed Qingdao Hainiu 2:0 at home on the night of the 15th, with consecutive goals from Jiang Shenglong and Ma Lailai showing the team's indomitable fighting spirit at the crucial moment. According to the official data of the Chinese Super League, Shenhua scored 9 goals in the last 15 minutes of this season's matches (including injury time), leading the league. This is not only a reflection of strength, but also a victory of will. After the match, head coach Slutsky was overwhelmed with emotion: "Attacking dense defenses is a big problem recognized in the soccer world, but I was deeply gratified to see the players indomitable until the last moment."
Slutsky's tactical adjustments are just right. Despite finishing bottom of the table, Qingdao Manatees made few changes to their starting lineup. The inclusion of Malalele and comeback Manafa, as well as a short break for Amadou, allowed Xie Pengfei to occupy the No. 10 position, Wu Xi returned to the No. 8 position, and Wang Haijian came in for Amadou. However, the consecutive "Super Cup" and league campaigns have caused individual players to show fatigue, affecting the overall form. Shenhua's speed of stealing and converting between offense and defense in the midfield has obviously declined, and the offense has been struggling against the opponents' dense defense recently.
Teixeira's absence is a huge challenge for Shenhua. Facing the opponent's intensive defense, Slutsky said: "We will focus on side passes to take advantage of the height of the two wingers. At the same time, we will also look for passes and penetration from players in the middle. Today, Xie Pengfei's play on the side was crucial, but the middle players need to be more precise in their passing."
However, Shenhua's passing was not as effective as it should have been, with 50 passes in the whole game and a success rate of only 26%. Slutsky was so anxious in the coach's box that he even rushed to the sidelines to scratch his head. But as the game progressed, his anxiety became more and more obvious on his face. At the crucial moment, Shenhua was nearly put in the lead. In the 75th minute, Wang Jianming grabbed Bao Yaxiong's direct ball and formed an open goal. Fortunately, Jiang Shenglong appeared in time to keep the goal intact. After the match, Slutsky praised Jiang Shenglong as the hero of the day, who not only managed to save the ball, but also broke the deadlock for his team at the end of the match.
In the 88th minute, Manafa passed down the right road, Mou Pengfei collided with the defense players when he attacked, Jiang Shenglong shot with the left bow of the penalty area, which was the 1,500th goal in Shenhua's history. Jiang Shenglong said: "Our coach and players didn't give up and insisted until the last moment. Playing at home, we will not let our opponents score easily and must win three points."
The Shenhua players were relieved after the goal and followed it up with the second goal. In the fourth minute of extra time, Luiz sent a precise diagonal pass and Han Chao crossed for the substitute. Malelai shot in front of the goal and Shenhua finally beat Qingdao Hainiu 2:0.
Slutsky said, "It was difficult to score in today's game against the opponent's intense defense. If the first goal would have come earlier, we would have gotten more space and chances." As a matter of fact, set-pieces are also an effective way to crack the dense defense. Shenhua got 10 corner kicks in today's game, but the overall threat was not big. In the next interval, Shenhua can do more on corner kick tactics to prepare for the next tougher game.
Next week, the Chinese Super League (CSL) will have a week of double matches, with Shenhua taking on Henan and Shenzhen Xinpengcheng on the road. The Chinese Super League will then go on a short break due to international match days.
