In the second stage of the Chinese Super League (CSL), the Shenzhen team lost 0-1 to Beijing Guoan at the Guangzhou University Town Center Stadium on Jan. 4, ending the season in sixth place in the league. The loss gave Shenzhen's acting manager Zhang Xiaorui his first defeat after his first win in office. Zhang made bold changes to his starting lineup, with one of the top four foreigners, Quintero and Caldeco, on the bench, while Zheng Dalun and Mi Haolun were replaced by Jiang Zhipeng and Ye Lijiang. Gao Lin, a veteran, was also able to make his debut. Before the match, all the Shenzhen players pulled up a banner saying "Go Xi'an, Chang'an Yong'an" to cheer for Xi'an's fight against the epidemic, which was a warm and touching scene. Despite their strong reinforcements this season, Shenzhen failed to secure a spot in next season's AFC Champions League. Their attacking trident of Caldecott, Quintero and Achimpen were strong, but mistakes on the defensive end became the gap between them and the stronger teams. In the match, Shenzhen's defense made another mistake when Zhou Xin brought down Guoan striker Cao Yongjing inside the penalty area, and Cao's penalty kick hit the post and bounced out, giving Shenzhen a thrilling escape. However, only 8 minutes later, the Shenzhen football defense line again made a mistake, failed to keep an eye on Guoan foreign aid Anderson Silva, after the clearance error, Cao Yongjing was able to complete the self-redemption. In the second half, the Shenzhen team counterattacked with all their might, but never able to equalize the score. Yu Dabao nearly made a goal of his own, and Zhang Yuan and Sun Ke failed to capitalize on their header chances. Zhang Xiaorui took the responsibility for the loss after the game, but expressed his satisfaction with the team's spirit and thanked the fans for their support. He mentioned that although the team failed to reach the goals set before the season, the sixth place finish was still acceptable under such difficult circumstances. He also explained the reasons why Caldecott and Quintero failed to play and said that he would fully support the club's work regardless of whether he was the manager or not. As for the rumors about the possibility of Lee Jang-soo coaching SZF, Zhang Xiurui did not respond directly, but said that he would give his full support to the club regardless of whether he was the head coach or not, and expressed his gratitude to the club for giving him the opportunity.
