Guangzhou Evergrande suffered a close reversal from Shandong Taishan as the Chinese Super League storm resumes
With the second round of the Chinese Super League in full swing, Guangzhou Evergrande hosted Shandong Taishan. Guangzhou Evergrande, who drew with Guangzhou City in the first round, is eager to clear the gloom and get all three points. Shandong Taishan, on the other hand, was in high spirits after defeating Chongqing in the first match, and was intent on winning back-to-back matches. However, in an up-and-down game, Shandong Taishan shut out Guangzhou Evergrande 1:0 with a goal by Fellaini in extra time, putting Guangzhou in an embarrassing situation.
Data reveals the truth
In the whole match, Guangzhou Evergrande had a slight advantage with 52% of possession, but the number of shots on goal was only 6, much lower than Shandong Taishan's 15 shots. In terms of shot percentage, Guangzhou Evergrande even had only 2 times, 3 times less than Shandong Taishan. In terms of key data such as corner kicks and dangerous attacks, Shandong Taishan was ahead by 52:46. In addition, key data such as passing success rate and stealing success rate, Shandong Taishan also have the upper hand.
Moments of Excitement
At the beginning of the match, both sides tried their best to fight fiercely. In the 12th minute, Shandong Taishan Leonardo received a yellow card for kicking Wei Shihao from behind. In the second half, both sides attacked at a faster pace, but neither side was able to score. Just when people thought the game would end 0:0, Fellaini scored a header in the 92nd minute to help Shandong Taishan win.
Focus Analysis
In two games of the new season, Guangzhou Evergrande drew 1 and lost 1, creating the worst start in team history. After the match, Guangzhou head coach Carnavaro said, "I am very clear about the group's expectations of the team, the fans want us to win the championship, but the group has given me a very clear goal as well, and that is to nurture talent for the country." This statement by the manager of the card triggered speculation about the future development of Guangzhou Evergrande.
Overall, Guangzhou Evergrande was in a disadvantageous position in terms of field and data in this match, and Cannavaro's tactical system needs to be improved. Guangzhou Evergrande is no longer the invincible eight-champion king, and in the future a long time, Guangzhou Evergrande may be positioned as an upper-middle class team.
