The CSL Relegation race is heating up, and the Cangzhou Lions have secured a vital three points in their quest for survival. The team's victory over the Beijing Guoan on Saturday evening was a huge boost to their hopes of avoiding relegation.
The match was played at the Beijing Olympic Stadium, and the Lions put in a solid performance to secure a 1-0 win against their rivals. The goal came from a well-worked corner kick that found its way into the back of the net, thanks to a deft finish from forward Zhang Ziyi.
The result means that the Lions now sit just one point behind leaders Guangzhou Evergrande, who they face next week. However, the Lions will be buoyed by the fact that they have won two out of their last three matches, which has given them some much-needed confidence.
Manager Lu Xun praised his players after the match, saying that they had worked hard throughout the game and deserved the win. "We knew it would be tough against a strong opponent like Beijing Guoan, but we stuck together and fought until the end," he said.
The victory also gives the Lions hope of making a late charge towards the top four, with just six games remaining in the season. With a few wins and some key results elsewhere, the Lions could still be in contention for a play-off spot come the end of the campaign.
For Zhang Ziyi, the goal was a big moment for him as well. "It was a great feeling to score my first goal for the club," he said. "I'm really happy to help the team get this important win."
Overall, the victory over Beijing Guoan was a significant step forward for the Cangzhou Lions. They showed that they can compete with the best teams in the league, and with a bit more luck and form, there's no reason why they can't make a push for promotion.