The Chinese Super League 2025 season is heating up, and all eyes were on the clash between Henan Songshan Longmen and Shandong Taishan. This match, played on June 30, 2025, at the Zhengzhou Hanghai Stadium in Zhengzhou, China PR, was a crucial one for both teams with very different ambitions this season.
Henan's Fight for Survival
Henan Songshan Longmen entered the match in a precarious position. After 15 games, they had only managed four wins, two draws, and nine losses, placing them 12th in the league table. This put them dangerously close to the relegation zone, with the 15th and 16th placed teams facing the drop to Chinese League One. With 15 games remaining, every point was vital in their fight to remain in the top flight.
Shandong's Continental Aspirations
Shandong Taishan, on the other hand, had their sights set much higher. They occupied sixth place with seven wins, three draws, and five losses. A strong finish to the season could see them qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-27. The top three teams in the league secure automatic qualification, and a potential FA Cup win by one of those teams could open the door for the fourth-placed team to join them.
Match Recap: A Thrilling Encounter
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Felippe Cardoso proved to be the hero for Henan, scoring twice (50', 85' Penalty). However, Shandong fought back valiantly, with Peng Xinli finding the net late in the game (90'+6'). The game ended with a red card issued to Peng Xinli of Shandong Taishan in the 96th minute and a yellow card for Chen Pu in the 95th, adding to the drama. Zheng Dalun replaced a player in the 94th minute.
Key Moments and Talking Points
- Felippe Cardoso's Brace: Cardoso's goals were crucial in securing a positive result for Henan, showcasing his importance to the team's attack.
- Peng Xinli's Late Goal and Red Card: Xinli's dramatic late goal gave Shandong hope, but his subsequent red card compounded their problems.
- Tactical Substitutions: The substitutions made by both managers highlighted their attempts to influence the game and secure a vital win.
Weather and Pitch Conditions
The conditions at Zhengzhou Hanghai Stadium were humid (63%), with a high temperature of 33 degrees Celsius. There was also a 10% chance of rain, adding an element of unpredictability to the match.
Expert Predictions vs. Reality
Pre-match predictions favoured Shandong Taishan to win the game. The match ended in a draw with two goals for Henan Songshan Longmen scored by Felippe Cardoso and one goal by Peng Xinli for Shandong Taishan. As always, the unpredictable nature of football shone through, proving that anything can happen on the pitch. No one can guarantee a win for any team.
Looking Ahead
With both teams hungry for points and striving to achieve their respective goals for the season, this match underscored the competitive nature of the Chinese Super League and proved to be a thrilling encounter for football fans. Henan will be happy with a draw but really needed the win, Shandong Taishan will be extremely disappointed with the draw as they needed the win to have a better chance of making it to the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-27.
What's Next for Both Teams?
Henan Songshan Longmen needs to take the momentum from this match to get more wins and move out of the relegation zone. Shandong Taishan needs to re-strategize and come back stronger in the next game, and win.