After losing to Shenhua away, Shanghai Port's record of 18 consecutive wins in all competitions was ended, which was also the first defeat for Shanghai Port in the Chinese Super League this season, and the lead in the standings was only 2 points!
Ahead of the second leg of the Shanghai derby, Harbour's form was at its peak, with 18 consecutive wins in all competitions and 16 in the Chinese Super League. However, the last time Harbour failed to win was when they were held to a draw at home by Shenhua.
At the same time, Harbour failed to win against Shenhua twice this season, and the Super Cup lost 0-1, which became Harbour's only defeat this season. With a strong offensive force, Harbour completed the overtake of Shenhua in the Super League standings.
Shenhua's away defeat to Guoan gave Harbour a lead of as many as 5 points, which to a certain extent "cooled down" the second leg derby and made Harbour play more relaxed.
However, Muscatt believes that leading by five points has "little impact" on the harbour: "If you can fully focus your limited energy on what we think is really important, we won't have the energy to focus on the unimportant things." Our philosophy has always been to focus on our own performance, and doing these things well is the most beneficial and important thing for us. ”
In the 12th minute of the opening game, Vargas crossed diagonally from the left, and Wang Shen headed the goal from close range, giving Harbour the lead.
However, Wei Zhen was sent off for stepping on Fernando and Jiang Guangtai was awarded a penalty for handball in the penalty area, but Yan Junling blocked Luiz's penalty.
Substitute Yu Hanchao changed the tide of the game as he scored a pass and a shot within three minutes, while Luiz scored a late brace to give Shenhua a comeback victory over Harbour.
After the defeat to Shenhua, Harbour are two points ahead of Shenhua in the standings, and with only six games left in the season, the battle for the Super League title is in suspense again.
At the same time, a series of records were broken at the seaport. First of all, Harbour's 16-game winning streak in the Chinese Super League was ended. Second, in the Chinese Super League and FA Cup, Harbour's 18-game winning streak was ended.
Thirdly, Harbour's unbeaten run of 23 games in the Super League this season was ended. Fourth, Harbour's 25-game unbeaten streak in the Chinese Super League and FA Cup was ended.
Fifth, Muscat's unbeaten record in the Chinese Super League career was ended. Sixth, Harbour's 11-game winning streak on the road was ended. Seventh, for the first time, Harbour have not won three times against Shenhua in a single season.