Clash of passions! Henan's Gao Tianyi (front right) and Chengdu Rongcheng's Eckerson show off their skills on the court.
The long-silent Nautical Stadium was abuzz again on the night of April 16th, when the team renamed Henan ushered in the first match of the 2023 Chinese Super League season at its home ground against the powerful Chengdu Rongcheng. After a 90-minute battle, Henan team in the home of nearly 20,000 fans enthusiastic cheering, although once behind, but with foreign aid Adrian's set-piece goal to equalize the score, the final 1:1 and the opponent to shake hands.
In this matchup, Henan head coach Sarko made a bold change in formation, bringing on Huang Zichang, Chen Keqiang and Adrian to partner in the attack, Shunyiqi in the backline, and captain Wang Shangyuan and foreigner Piina as well as midfielder Gao Tianyi to link up the attack and defense. For Chengdu Rongcheng, Felipe, Romulo and Eckerson form an equally sharp attacking group.
At the beginning of the match, both sides started a fierce offense and defense. In the 27th minute, Chengdu Rongcheng player Ackerson in the middle of the clever pass, Romulo was cleverly blocked by Shuniqi, Tang Miao left foot a curved ball into the net, Chengdu Rongcheng 1:0 lead. Chengdu Rongcheng morale after the lead, Ickerson has a number of good opportunities to break through the goal, but all missed with the goal. At the end of the half, Henan team temporarily 0:1 behind.
The game was resumed, Henan team made personnel adjustments. In the 56th minute, Adrian free kick, left foot spinning arc ball, the ball flew from the wall, hit the inside of the left post into the net, Henan 1:1 equalized the score. Subsequently, both sides made adjustments to the lineup. In the 68th minute, the substitute Luo Xin breakthrough offside, the goal is invalid. In the end, the two teams to 1:1 score shake hands and make peace.
After the game, Sarko said, "It was the first game of the season and everything was tough. We played very well and I'm sure we'll get better in the next games. The team was a little bit nervous in the beginning of the game, probably because of the long period of time. In the first half, the team was slow to get into the game, but after some adjustments in the second half, the team maintained the intensity of the game, kept pounding the opponent's defense, and with the support of the home fans, eventually equalized the score and even expected to get three points. I am very satisfied with the content of the game."
Henan will host the "promoted horse" Qingdao Hainiu on the 21st.
In addition, yesterday's game, Shanghai Shenhua hosted last season's runner-up Shandong Taishan, Wu Xi a pass accidentally scored, Shenhua 1:0 win. Shenzhen team beat Qingdao sea cow at home 2:1, harvest the first win of the new season. Tianjin jinmen tiger and cangzhou lion into 1:1 draw.
