Published: 14:17, November 3, 2020 | Updated: 12:38, June 5, 2023
Guangzhou Evergrande, Jiangsu Suning to face off in CSL final
By Xinhua

Jiangsu Suning's head coach Cosmin Olaroiu (far left) and his players celebrate after winning the 18th round match of the 2020 season Chinese Football Association Super League (CSL) Suzhou Division between Jiangsu Suning and Shanghai SIPG, in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu province, Nov 2, 2020. (XU CHANG / XINHUA)

SUZHOU - A stunning long-range strike from Luo Jing helped 10-man Jiangsu Suning advance to the Chinese Super League (CSL) final by 3-2 on aggregate here on Monday, setting up a face-off with defending champions Guangzhou Evergrande.

After a 1-1 first-leg match, the second leg of the semifinal between Jiangsu and Shanghai SIPG went into extra time after two sides tied 1-1 again in 90 minutes.

In the 107th minute, Luo Jing slotted a stunning long-range strike into the net and helped Jiangsu seal a 3-2 victory.

ALSO READ: CSL: Jiangsu stun defending champ Guangzhou with 2-1 win

Luo Jing of Jiangsu Suning (right( celebrates scoring his side's goal during the 18th round match of the 2020 season Chinese Football Association Super League (CSL) Suzhou Division between Jiangsu Suning and Shanghai SIPG, in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu province, Nov 2, 2020. (YANG LEI / XINHUA)

In another semifinal, Evergrande dominated the first half, buoyed by Anderson Talisca's penalty, and looked to be the favorites when Paulinho netted an unstoppable strike in the 56th minute.

A smart low shot from Zhang Yuning five minutes later gave the defending champions palpitations, but Paulinho finished the third goal in the 80th minute to secure Evergrande a 3-1 triumph.

Guangzhou won the series by 3-1 after they had to settle with a goalless draw in the first leg with Beijing.

Paulinho of Guangzhou Evergrande (right) vies with Wang Gang of Beijing Guoan during the 18th round match of the 2020 season Chinese Football Association Super League (CSL) Suzhou Division between Beijing Guoan and Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao, in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu province, Nov 2, 2020. (XU CHANG / XINHUA)

The two second-leg matches with four clubs from the relegation group were competitive. Shenzhen FC and Qingdao Huanghai became the lucky ones, while Shijiazhuang Ever Bright and Wuhan Zall will fight for the 15th place in the CSL to keep their hopes alive of staying in the top flight.

READ MORE: Chinese Super League stakes raised with finishing line in sight

Shijiazhuang's defender Yang Yun accidentally headed the ball in for an own goal, losing the second leg 3-2 on aggregate to Shenzhen FC.

Wuhan finished a stormy draw with the gritty Qingdao and eventually crashed out on penalty kicks by 7-5 on aggregate.

According to regulations, the top three teams of the CSL will play in next year's Asian Football Confederation Champions League, with the fourth spot going to the CFA Cup champion. The last-placed team will be relegated, while the other relegated team will be decided between the 15th place of CSL and the second tier's second placed team in a two-leg play-offs.