To Shanghai for football as the Chinese Super League resumed on Friday night after a break for 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying. SIPG hosted Beijing Guoan with the Shanghai side being boosted by the return of Hulk. The Brazilian has recovered from a leg injury, which is a good thing as it wouldn't do to have the most expensive player in the history of the league on the sidelines for too long.
Beijing get the first good chance of the match when Yu Dabao's carves a hole in SIPG's defence, but sees his shot go wide. And the first half would end scoreless.
The Shanghai side come out strong early in the second, with Hulk blasting a left footed strike from distance that beats Yang Zhi. 1-0 SIPG in the 50th minute, as the high priced Brazilian shows his worth.
But Guoan push hard for an equalizer, and are awarded a penalty in the 67th minute when Burak Yilmaz is tripped up by Yan Junling.
A clear foul and the referee points to the penalty spot, while Yan receives a yellow card.
Yilmaz would make no mistake as he ties it up at 1, and that's the Turk's fourth goal of season.
The Capital Club would go on to take the lead in the 81st minute, when Zhang Chiming's cross finds Lei Tenglong, who delivers with a header.
But Hulk would come to the rescue of the Shanghai side. In the 88th minute, the Brazilian's cross goes off the hand of Beijing defender Li Lei.
Hulk fires the spot kick into the corner to salvage a 2-2 draw at home for SIPG, who remain fourth in the table.
In Friday's other match, Chongqing Lifan hosted Yanbian Fude, and the home side would take the lead 2 two minutes before half-time.
Brazilian forward Fernandinho fires a low shot from four meters outside the box, and it finds the net to give Chongqing a 1-0 lead. The ball deflects off the foot of Yanbian capitain Cui Min, and keeper Chi Wenyi is left helpless.
The hosts add another in the 67th minute when Fernandinho sprints into the area, and is dragged down by Cui Min. A clear penalty on a terrible night for the captain.
Brazilian forward Alan Kardec does the honours, and it's 2-0 Lifan.
Fude's Jin Bo would pull one back in the dying minute, but it's too late. 2-1 is the final, and Chongqing rise to 8th in the standings.
