In the Chinese Super League, Guangzhou Evergrande hosted Yanbian Funde at the weekend. The five-time defending champs came into this contest knowing they were just one point away from clinching their historic sixth consecutive CSL title.

As for the visitors, they entered the Tianhe Stadium just three points above the relegation zone and still not assured of a place in the top flight next season.

Guangzhou marched into kickoff six points in front of second place Jiangsu Suning, with three matches to go. But Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men only need a draw to retain the trophy. Looking on was their ex-manager, and China’s new coach, Marcello Lippi.

Evergrande created an excellent opportunity in the 14th minute, as Alan’s pass found Gao Lin perfectly, but the Chinese international missesd from close range.

The Red and Gold continued to press, and were rewarded just before half-time, as Paulinho finished off a corner to put the hosts ahead 1-0. Seventh goal of the season for the Brazilian, and potentially the most precious.

Guangzhou looked to score again in the 52nd minute, but Huang Bowen’s free kick was saved by Funde keeper Chi Wenyi.

That stop took on added significance in the closing stages, as the Red Tigers pull level in the 88th minute. South Korean international Kim Seung-Dae set up countryman Yoon Bit-Garam, who made it 1-1.

But that was not nearly enough to ruin the home team’s night. The match ended in a draw, and that result means Evergrande are crowned CSL champions for the sixth consecutive time.

“Every one of my championships is hard fought, and I cherish all of them. It’s very difficult to win a title as a player, so every one of them is precious to me,” said Zheng Zhi, Guangzhou Evergrande captain.