Oscar’s brace fires Shanghai Port past Nantong in Chinese Super League

As one of the league’s title favorites, Shanghai suffered its first defeat in the last round. Despite a 67% ball possession, Shanghai failed to find the net in the first half, with Paulinho shooting over the bar twice. Oscar helped Shanghai restore parity with a spot kick in the 52nd minute after VAR ruled a handball by Nantong midfielder Cao Kang.

BEIJING, June 9 (Xinhua) — Oscar converted two penalties to help Shanghai Port rally past Nantong Zhiyun 2-1 in the Chinese Super League (CSL) on Friday.

As one of the league’s title favorites, Shanghai suffered its first defeat in the last round. In the eighth minute, Rubilio Castillo earned Nantong an early lead through a powerful long shot. Despite a 67% ball possession, Shanghai failed to find the net in the first half, with Paulinho shooting over the bar twice.

Oscar helped Shanghai restore parity with a spot kick in the 52nd minute after VAR ruled a handball by Nantong midfielder Cao Kang.

The former Brazilian international turned the game around in the 77th minute with another penalty after Wu Lei was fouled by Yeljan Shinaer in the box.

In a clash of last season’s top two sides, Ademilson broke the deadlock for the defending champion Wuhan Three Towns in the 38th minute, while Cryzan Barcelos headed an equalizer for Shandong Taishan after collecting Chen Pu’s cross four minutes later. After the draw, Wuhan ranks two places behind Shandong.

Also on Friday, Henan FC held Zhejiang FC 2-2, Meizhou Hakka lost to Cangzhou Mighty Lions 3-2, and Dalian Pro tied Beijing Guoan 2-2. Enditem