CSL: Chengdu thrash Shenzhen, Shanghai Port stumbl in opener

The opening round of the 2026 Chinese Super League (CSL) season concluded on Sunday, with Chengdu Rongcheng beating Shenzhen Peng City 5-1, while defending champion Shanghai Port suffered a 2-1 defeat to Henan FC.

The new season began under unusual circumstances, as nine CSL clubs started with points deductions due to disciplinary penalties. Tianjin Jinmen Tigers and Shanghai Shenhua were both docked 10 points, while Shandong Taishan began with a six-point deficit, and Shanghai Port and Beijing Guoan were both docked five points.

Chengdu, the only club among last season's top six without a point deduction, showed strong form in the opener.

After Shenzhen took an early lead through Albion Ademi, Jiang Zhipeng was sent off in the 18th minute, allowing the hosts to seize control.

Wellington Silva scored twice, while Felipe Silva, Hu Hetao and Liao Rongxiang also found the net in the 5-1 victory.

Shanghai Port's slow start to the year continued after a 2-0 loss to Beijing Guoan in last week's Chinese FA Super Cup.

Henan took the lead just 26 seconds through Zhong Yihao before Iago Maidana doubled the advantage in the 16th minute.

Shanghai Port managed to pull one back through Gabriel Souza in first-half stoppage time, but the defending champion was unable to find an equalizer.

Elsewhere, Yunnan Yukun secured a 3-1 home win over Qingdao Hainiu thanks to first-half goals from Cleber, Yi Teng and Hou Yongyong. Shanghai Shenhua also started with a victory, edging Dalian Yingbo 5-3 in an eight-goal thriller on home turf.

Two newly-promoted sides made their CSL debuts, with Chongqing Tonglianglong drawing 0-0 against Tianjin Jinmen Tigers, while Liaoning Tieren suffered a 3-0 away defeat to Shandong Taishan.

Elsewhere, Zhejiang FC and Beijing Guoan beat Qingdao West Coast and Wuhan Three Towns respectively.