Shenhua blitzes Shenxin in derby
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, March 9, 2015
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From left: Shanghai Greenland Shenhua players Lv Zheng, Australian striker Tim Cahill and Brazilian striker Paulo Henrique celebrate after a rampant 6-2 victory over local rival Shanghai Shenxin in their Chinese Super League opener in Shanghai on March 8. |
Shanghai Greenland Shenhua began its 2015 Chinese Super League campaign in style last night as a hat trick from Brazilian striker Paulo Henrique and a solid performance from Tim Cahill ensured a rampant 6-2 victory over local rival Shanghai Shenxin in their opener.
The two sides scored four goals in the last 18 minutes of the first half at Hongkou Football Stadium.
Henrique stabbed in the opener in front of an open goal for the hosts in the 28th minute. An own goal from Lin Yuhuan, who tried to clear a pass from Cahill, helped Shenhua to extend the lead. Shenhua defender Bai Jiajun was uppended in the box in the 45th and Colombian striker Giovanni Moreno scored from the penalty spot but Nigerian forward Chukwu Daniel Chima pulled a goal back for Shenxin before the half-time whistle.
An in-form Henrique scored two more in the second half, with Shenxin's Chi Zhongguo finding the net in between to cut the gap. There was time still for Zambian defender Stoppila Sunzu to score as Shenhua cantered to an easy derby victory.
"We played an exciting game together for the fans today," said Yu Tao, former Shenhua captain but now playing for Shenxin. "I'm happy with my team's performance, especially our new striker Daniel. It's a pity we lost."
Shenxin head coach Guo Guangqi was also encouraged by the performance of his young players, but pointed out that the absence of Brazilian defender Johnny Meg Do Nascimento Osorio had weakened the team.
Shenhua head coach Francis Gillot was left gushing. "They played a quality game, and the result was a feast for the fans. The winter training (in Spain ) paid off for us and the team will continue work on improving the confidence of some players."
Gillot said he was impressed by the warm atmosphere at Hongkou Football Stadium in his very first CSL game.
"Cahill is an excellent player, who gives all he has on the pitch. He joined the club not long ago, but I appreciate what he has already brought to the team and his younger teammates," the Frenchman added.
Another local team Shanghai SIPG beat Jiangsu Sainty 2-1 on Saturday with its new core player Dario Conca of Argentina assisting for both goals. Conca's former team, defending champion Guangzhou Evergrande, will take on CSL newcomer Shijiazhuang Yongchang today.
Guangzhou R&F, Beijing Guo'an and Shandong Luneng also clinched first-round victories over the weekend.
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