Beijing Guoan made a strong statement in the first leg of their two-legged Chinese FA Cup clash, earning a 2-1 home win over Shanghai SIPG. Crickex Login noted that this victory not only sets the tone for the return match but also boosts Guoan’s momentum as they seek advancement. After the match, Guoan head coach Roger Schmidt described the night as “wonderful,” praising both teams for their performance and calling the game a showcase of Chinese football. “I’m proud of my players,” he added.
Coming off a 2-1 home loss to Guoan in the league, SIPG once again fell by the same scoreline in the cup, this time as the visiting side. Head coach Vítor Pereira, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the result, saying, “I didn’t feel they were stronger than us in either game. We created many chances. If we had finished better, we could have put the game to bed.” He emphasized that this was only the first leg and that everything remains up for grabs when they return home for the second.
Guoan hit the crossbar or post three times during the match, which Schmidt pointed out as missed opportunities that could’ve widened the score. “If those had gone in, the margin might have been bigger,” he reflected. Still, Schmidt acknowledged that SIPG also had clear scoring chances. In two-legged matchups, securing a home win in the first leg is crucial, and Guoan’s narrow victory sends a clear signal of intent. Despite missing Renato Augusto, who is with the Brazilian national team preparing for the World Cup, Guoan showed little sign of weakness.
In terms of lineup, Schmidt continued to place trust in U23 goalkeeper Guo Quanbo. The defense featured Jiang Tao, Yu Yang, Zhang Yu, and Li Lei. Midfield saw Chi Zhongguo paired with Park Cheng in the holding roles, while Viera, Zhang Xizhe, and Bakambu formed an energetic attacking trio behind striker Soriano.
Guoan’s first goal came in the 14th minute, with Viera scoring from Soriano’s assist into the far corner. SIPG quickly responded. Although Guo Quanbo saved a shot from Wu Lei in the 17th minute, he couldn’t stop Hulk’s curling free kick in the 34th, which tied the game and gave SIPG a vital away goal. Guoan nearly regained the lead before halftime, but Bakambu’s shot was denied by the crossbar. The second half saw Guoan push forward with renewed intensity.
In the 63rd minute, Zhang Xizhe broke through the SIPG defense and drew a foul in the penalty box. The referee pointed to the spot, and Soriano converted the penalty to make it 2-1. Guoan continued to press, with Bakambu and Li Lei both narrowly missing chances to extend the lead. The score held until the final whistle.
Following the match, Guoan players were granted a short break. Coach Schmidt stated that this hard-earned win will allow the team to enjoy their time off with lifted spirits. As Crickex Login concludes, the first-leg result puts Guoan in the driver’s seat, but with one match remaining, nothing is set in stone. The return leg promises to be a nail-biter.