Teda set worst record, SIPG edge Huanghai in CSL

SUZHOU - Tianjin Teda fell into the relegation playoffs in the Chinese Super League (CSL) after a 2-0 defeat to Beijing Guoan here on Thursday, while Shanghai SIPG beat Qingdao Huanghai 2-1 after a rain-delayed start.

Guoan broke the deadlock in the 30th minute as the ball fell for Zhang Yuning after a series of ricochets, who turned around and finished with a low-strike.

Guoan extended the lead just three minutes after the break as Teda's clearance went into the path of Renato Augusto who bent a curler into the top corner.

Teda's Liu Ruofan had the ball into the net in the 62nd minute but it was wiped out as Liu had fouled in the build-up.

"From the perspective of a 90-minute game, it is reasonable for Guoan to seal the victory. I still want to praise all the team members because they showed high morale on the pitch," said Teda head coach Wang Baoshan.

Elsewhere, SIPG established the advantage in the stoppage time of the first half, when Ricardo Lopes contributed a long diagonal pass from the right flank into the box, which was stopped by striker Lv Wenjun in front of the goal. Marko Arnautovic smashed in a volley in chaos.

The goal was at first a controversial one for Lv was suspected of a handball but was later confirmed as valid by the referee after checking VAR.

SIPG enlarged the gap just one minute after the beginning of the second half. Defender Wang Shenchao's precise cross found Hulk inside the box, who converted a header to make it 2-0.

Huanghai did not cut the deficit until the 85th minute. Thanks to Wang Wei's assist from the left side of the box, Romain Alessandrini pulled one back with a bicycle kick.