As Shandong Luneng took on Hebei China Fortune in the Chinese Super League on Sunday. With the season drawing to a close, former champions Shandong still had the potential to be relegated following a poor campaign. But after beating Beijing Guoan in their previous match, the Orange Fighters needed just one more win to secure a place in the top flight next year.

Heibei's Gervinho tackled by Shandong's Wang Tong

This match marks the second encounter between Luneng coach Felix Magath, and Hebei China Fortune's Manuel Pellegrini. Back in 2014, Manchester City led by Pellegrini beat Magath's Fulham 5-0, in the English Premier League.

But it's Magath's side that strikes first here. Just three minutes into the match, goalkeeper Wang Dalei punts the ball way downfield, where Graziano Pelle nods it on to Papiss Cisse, and he hammers a volley into the roof of the net. That's the fourth goal for the Senegalese since joining the team this summer, and it's 1-0 Shandong.

But Hebei fight back and create several opportunities, including this scramble in the area after a free kick, that results in Liao Junjian sending a shot off the crossbar.

Fortune have another chance in the 62nd minute when Wang Yang sets up Jiang Ning, but Wang Dalei makes a diving stop to preserve the 1-0 win for Luneng, who earn three precious points.

Elsewhere Changchun Yatai beat Beijing Guoan 2-1. Guangzhou R&F thrashed Hangzhou Greentown 5-2 and climbed to fifth place. Shanghai Shenhua drew 2-2 with Henan Jianye, while Chongqing Lifan edged Liaoning Whowin 2-1.

In the standings, Guangzhou Evergrande hold a seven-point lead over second-placed Jiangsu Suning, who are seven points ahead of third placed Shenhua. SIPG sit fourth, while Guangzhou R&F round out the top five.