Shanghai Beat Dalian Shide in Top-of-the-table ClashShanghai Shenhua scored a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Dalian Shide in a top-of-the-table clash and greatly boosted their hopes of winning the Chinese first division soccer league title with five round of competitions remaining.With the home advantage, Shanghai Shenhua played aggressively from the beginning of the match and forced Dalian Shide into defence. At the 19th minute, the Shanghai team launched a counter-attack. Zoran Rankovic headed home a cross from Shen Si to give the host team a 1-0 lead. After taking the lead, Shanghai Shenhua focused on defence and Dalian Shide fought hard, trying to get an equaliser. But Shanghai goalkeeper Yu Weiliang put up a brilliant performance in denying the Dalian team's efforts. The victory further narrowed the gap between Dalian Shide and Shanghai. It was Dalian Shide's second straight loss and fourth of the season. Dalian Shide still led the league with 45 points, only one point more than Shanghai Shenhua. In Sunday's other matches, Beijing Guo'an trounced Jilin Aodong 4-1, Tianjin Taida beat Shangdong Luneng 2-0, Qingdao Hainiu drew with Chongqing Longxing 1-1, Shenzhen Ping'an and Liaoning Fushun played to a 1-1 tie, Shenyang Haishi beat Sichuan Quanxing 4-1. Standings of the Chinese first division soccer league |
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