The penultimate round of the 2023 season, the 26th round of fixtures, will see exciting matchups from September 22nd to 24th. The Chinese Super League (CSL) has officially released its broadcast plan for eight matches in advance. Although the CCTV Sports TV platform did not broadcast the round of the CSL live due to its focus on the Hangzhou Asian Games, six matches were still able to be presented on the TV platform.
At 19:35 on the 23rd, Chengdu Rongcheng will face Shanghai Seaport at the professional soccer field of Phoenix Hill Sports Park. The clash is undoubtedly one of the major highlights of the round and will be broadcast live on Chengdu Radio and Television's public channel and the five-star sports channel. Chengdu Rongcheng, who ended a three-game losing streak after beating Nantong Zhiyun 2-0 away from home in the previous round, will be looking to win back-to-back matches to qualify for the AFC Champions League. Although Shanghai Seaport has a clear lead of nine points, they will need to be cautious as they lost 0-1 at home to Chengdu Rongcheng in the first round, and another win will not be easy.
At 17:30 on the 23rd, Shandong Taishan will challenge Dalian People away from Puwan Stadium in Dalian. The match will be broadcast live on Dalian Radio and Television Culture and Sports Channel and Shandong Radio and Television Sports and Leisure Channel. With relegation and the title on the line, Dalian will go all out for a win, while Shandong Taishan, returning from the AFC Champions League but with a full complement of fitness from their star players, are expected to score three points again to consolidate their lead.
On 22nd, 19:00 Shanghai Shenhua, who is in the third place, will face Cangzhou Lions in Shanghai Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on the five-star sports channel. Shenhua lost 0-3 to Henan in the last round, and was tied by Zhejiang and Wuhan for three consecutive rounds. Facing Cangzhou Lions in this round, they have to go all out, or they may be pushed out of the top three. And although Cangzhou Lions have safely landed on their feet, they still have a chance to win the game against the weaker Shenhua.
On the 24th at 19:00, the fourth-ranked Zhejiang team will travel to Shenzhen Baoan Sports Center Stadium to challenge the Shenzhen team. Unfortunately, there is no live TV platform for this event. Zhejiang are physically and mentally exhausted after losing 1-4 to Thai Premier League side Buriram United in the AFC Champions League, but still need three points in Shenzhen to boost their morale. The Shenzhen team lost 1-5 to Meizhou Hakka in the last round of the Guangdong derby, and the relegation situation is worrying.
On the 23rd at 19:35, Wuhan Three Town will host Tianjin Jinmen Tiger at Wuhan Sports Center Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on Wuhan Radio and Television's Culture and Sports Channel and Tianjin Radio and Television's Sports Channel. Wuhan Three Town are coming off a depleted match against Urawa Red Diamonds in the AFC Champions League, while Tianjin Jinmen Tigers are expected to continue to solidify their eighth position after beating Dalian People 1-0 at home in the previous round.
At 19:35 on the 22nd, Beijing Guoan will challenge Changchun Yatai away at Changchun Sports Center Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on the Beijing Broadcasting TV Sports & Leisure Channel. Changchun Yatai lost to Qingdao Hainiu and Shanghai Seaport in two consecutive home matches, allowing their opponents to get three crucial points. Beijing Guoan, on the other hand, is in desperate need of a win on the road after losing 0-1 at home to Zhejiang in the previous round.
On the 24th at 19:00 Qingdao Hainiu will start the promotion match and relegation battle with Nantong Zhiyun at Qingdao Youth Football Stadium. The match is also not broadcast live on TV. Qingdao Hainiu are five points clear of the relegation zone, while Nantong Zhiyun are only four points behind, making this game a crucial one for both sides.
In another match, Meizhou Hakka will face Henan at Huitang Stadium of Wuhua Olympic Sports Center at 19:35 on the 23rd. The match will be broadcast live on Guangzhou Radio and Television's South China Metropolis Channel. With Shenzhen and Shanghai Shenhua beaten in the final round respectively, both teams are now in the safe zone, and they will be fighting for honor in this round of direct confrontation, with only two points separating them.
