In a nail-biting finale at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center, Taizhou shocked the soccer world by clinching the inaugural Jiangsu Super League title in a dramatic penalty shootout against powerhouse Nantong. ⚽💥
After almost six months of intense competition, the top-seeded Nantong—undefeated going into the final—faced the sixth-seeded underdogs, Taizhou, in front of a record-breaking crowd of 62,329 fans. It felt like a Hollywood blockbuster—complete with dramatic twists and nerve-wracking moments—keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Despite multiple scoring opportunities, regular time ended 0-0, setting the stage for a showdown at the spot. The tension was real: Nantong’s first penalty kick went wide, giving Taizhou confidence. Carrying momentum from two previous knockout shootout wins, Taizhou’s first four kickers were precise, cool and composed.
Then came the defining moment. Nantong captain Li Xiancheng’s shot was heroically saved by Taizhou goalkeeper Dai Yaocheng, sealing an unforgettable 4-3 victory. The stadium erupted as Taizhou completed their Cinderella run. 🏆🎉
This win marks a historic milestone for Taizhou and sets the bar for future seasons. Their underdog spirit and shootout prowess will be remembered long after the final whistle.
Reference(s):
Taizhou win Jiangsu Super League in dramatic penalty shootout
cgtn.com
