BEIJING - Beijing Guoan remains unbeaten after edging Changchun Yatai 2-1 in the 14th round of the Chinese Super League (CSL) on Saturday, while Shenzhen Peng City shocked league leader Shanghai Shenhua 3-1.
Against Changchun, Beijing and its fans paid tribute to the 34-year-old veteran Zhang Xizhe, who played his 400th match for the club Guoan last month.
Zhang marked the moment with a goal in the 18th minute when he intercepted Changchun goalkeeper Wu Yake's wayward pass and slotted home with ease.
Cao Yongjing doubled Beijing's lead in the 25th minute after finishing off a great team move. Although Changchun's Tan Long pulled one back in the 88th minute, it was too little, too late.
"The players implemented our plans and created many chances in the first half, but we could have done a better job at the closing stage of the match. We are on the right track and will keep going forward," Beijing Guoan head coach Quique Setien said afterwards.
Elsewhere, Andre Luis gave Shenhua a lead in the 28th minute, but Shenzhen controlled the rest of game and combined for three goals to secure the win.
Second-ranked Chengdu Rongcheng also suffered a painful loss to Henan FC, who staged a thrilling comeback to win 3-2 at home.
READ MORE: Shanghai Port return to top of CSL, Shenhua held by Shenzhen Peng City
In other action, Dalian Yingbo edged Meizhou Hakka 1-0, Wuhan Three Towns beat Qingdao Hainiu 2-0, Zhejiang FC and Shanghai Ports drew 2-2, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers won over Shandong Taishan 1-0, and Qingdao West Coast played out a goalless draw with Yunnan Yukun.