⚡ In an electrifying showdown on Saturday, Shanghai Port made history by clinching their first-ever Chinese FA Cup title! 🎉🏆 They defeated Shandong Taishan 3-1 in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, wrapping up the 2024 season with not one, but TWO championships after grabbing the Chinese Super League earlier this month. 🙌🔥
The match kicked off with both teams missing golden opportunities. Shandong's Peng Xinli nearly opened the scoring in the 7th minute, but luck wasn’t on his side as his shot hit the post after beating goalkeeper Yan Junling. 😱🚫
But the breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Shanghai's attack from the right wing paid off. Wang Shenchao's slick cross was cleverly flicked by Gustavo to Li Shuai, who, unmarked, blasted the ball past Wang Dalei! 🎯💥 Goal! The crowd went wild! 🎉
Just before halftime, Shanghai doubled their lead. Oscar's free-kick was deflected but landed perfectly for Feng Jin, whose shot took a fortuitous bounce off Leo Cittadini, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. 😎🔥 2-0 up and cruising!
Shandong wasn't giving up without a fight. In the 53rd minute, a poor clearance from Shanghai’s defense fell to Zeca at the edge of the box. His rocket of a shot was unstoppable! 🚀⚽ Back in the game at 2-1!
The tension was palpable as Shanghai continued to press. Despite Wang Dalei’s heroic saves, the nail in the coffin came in stoppage time. Oscar snatched the ball and fed it to Wang Zhen’ao, whose attempt was deflected by defender Zheng Zheng into his own net. 😬👀 Ouch! That own goal sealed the deal at 3-1! 🥳
With this victory, Shanghai Port joins the elite club of teams that have won both the domestic league and FA Cup in the same season, alongside Shandong Taishan, Dalian Shide, and Guangzhou Evergrande. Legends in the making! 🌟👑
What a season for Shanghai Port! Can't wait to see what they bring next year! 🚀🎉
Reference(s):
Shanghai Port beat Shandong Taishan to win first ever Chinese FA Cup
cgtn.com
