Tianjin Seals First Victory, Pushing CSL Relegation Closer to Home

# Tianjin Seals First Victory, Pushing CSL Relegation Closer to Home

Tianjin Seals First Victory, Pushing CSL Relegation Closer to Home

Tianjin recorded their first victory of the season in a thrilling 2-1 win over Shandong in the Chinese Super League (CSL) on Saturday. This triumph not only lifted spirits in the city but also brought the specter of relegation closer to home for several CSL sides.

The match, held at the Tianjin Olympic Center, was a rollercoaster affair. Tianjin fell behind in the 15th minute when Shandong striker Wang Qisheng converted a penalty. However, the hosts responded swiftly. Midfielder Zhang Yuheng levelled the scores in the 30th minute with a well-taken goal, and just three minutes later, Tianjin took the lead as Shandong’s defense again erred, allowing forward Sun Guo to slot home.

Despite a late surge from Shandong, who dominated possession and created several chances, Tianjin’s defense held firm, ensuring a well-deserved victory. The win moves Tianjin to 11th place in the CSL standings, with just five points separating them from the relegation zone. This result has intensified the race to avoid dropping down to the second tier, with several teams now facing an uphill battle to secure survival.

Speaking after the match, Tianjin head coach Wang Ximin expressed relief at finally breaking the deadlock. “We’ve been creating chances but not converting them,” he said. “Today, our patience paid off. We needed this win to give the team confidence and momentum moving forward.”

The victory also brought a much-needed boost to Tianjin’s playoff hopes, as they prepare to face Shenzhen in the next round of the AFC Champions League. While the immediate focus is on maintaining consistency in the CSL, theaders of the league have warned that the relegation battle is far from over.

As the CSL season reaches its midpoint, the stakes are higher than ever. With Tianjin’s first win of the season, the battle to stay in the top flight has just become even more intense. Relegation is no longer a distant threat but a very real possibility for several sides, including Shandong, who now find themselves in 10th place with just eight points to their name.

For Tianjin, this victory is a stepping stone. With key players like Zhang Yuheng and Sun Guo in fine form, the team will look to build on this performance and push even higher. For the rest of the CSL, this match was a stark reminder that every point is preciouss and every game matters. The race for survival is far from over, but the tension is palpable.