In a thrilling match played on Saturday night, Qingdao West Coast secured the league lead by defeating Chengdu Xingcheng 2-0. The match was a testament to the quality of football displayed by both teams and showcased the talent that exists in the Chinese professional leagues.
The match started off with both sides looking to take control of the game early on. However, it wasn't until the second half that Qingdao West Coast began to dominate possession and create chances. They capitalized on these opportunities in the 67th minute when forward Zhang Wei scored his first goal for the season to give Qingdao West Coast the lead.
Chengdu Xingcheng fought back in the 85th minute through a stunning individual effort from midfielder Wang Zhe. He received a pass from winger Zhou Qi and used his pace to beat several defenders before slotting home the equalizer to make it 1-1.
Despite the equalizer, Qingdao West Coast refused to let up and continued to push forward. In the final few minutes of regulation time, they found themselves on the brink of victory after Zhang Wei headed home a cross from midfielder Wu Yifan. The goal was awarded following a controversial decision by the referee, who initially ruled it as an offside violation.
However, the referee changed his mind and awarded the goal, giving Qingdao West Coast the win and ensuring they remained at the top of the table. The win also marked a significant moment for the team, who had been struggling to find form recently.
Overall, this match was a reminder of the quality of football being played in China's professional leagues. Both Qingdao West Coast and Chengdu Xingcheng showed why they are among the best teams in the country and will be expected to compete for honours throughout the season.