Beijing Guoan's chase for a top-three spot hit a snag last night as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Zhejiang Pro at home. Despite dominating the game and crafting numerous chances, the goals just wouldn't come for Guoan. 😢
From the get-go, Beijing Guoan looked lively. In the 11th minute, Fabio Abreu dazzled the crowd with a slick pass, setting up Cao Ziming for a golden opportunity. One-on-one with the keeper, it seemed like a sure goal, but Zhejiang's goalkeeper Zhao Bo had other ideas, pulling off a clutch save! 🧤
The pressure didn't let up. In the 57th minute, Guoan were awarded a free kick right outside the box. Guga whipped in a teasing ball, causing chaos in Zhejiang's defense. Zhang Chengdong and Michael Ngadeu both had shots in the scramble, but the ball agonizingly struck the post! Talk about close calls! 🙈
The drama peaked in the 80th minute. Zhao Bo, perhaps feeling a bit adventurous, rushed out of his box but failed to clear the ball. Zhang Yuning seized the moment with an open goal beckoning, but just as he pulled the trigger, Sun Zhengao came flying back to block the shot. The ensuing corner saw Zhang's header smack against the post again! The football gods just weren't on Guoan's side. 😖
Tensions boiled over late in the game when Zhang was shown a red card in the 88th minute for an elbow on Sun. With emotions running high, Guoan pushed for a winner. In stoppage time, Yang Liyu went down in the box amidst a tussle, but the referee waved play on. No penalty! 🤷♂️
This draw leaves Beijing Guoan in fourth place with 42 points from 24 games, still nine points adrift of third-placed Chengdu Rongcheng, who have a game in hand. The road to the top three just got a bit steeper for Guoan.
In other matches last night:
- Henan 0-2 Cangzhou Mighty Lions 🦁
- Tianjin Jinmen Tiger 1-0 Wuhan Three Towns 🐯
- Nantong Zhiyun 0-3 Qingdao West Coast 🌊
With the season entering its crucial phase, every goal, every point counts. Stay tuned for more action! ⚽️🔥
Reference(s):
Beijing Guoan slowed in top-three pursuit after 0-0 draw with Zhejiang
cgtn.com
