# CSL Round 10 - Beijing vs Chengdu: A Game of Strategy in the Capital City
The 10th round of the Chinese Super League (CSL) brought a thrilling encounter as Beijing FC hosted Chengdu FC in a match that was as strategic as it was entertaining. Both sides entered the game with contrasting styles and narratives, making it a clash of experience versus youth and stability versus dynamism.
Beijing FC, the capital’s pride, came into the game as one of the most consistent teams in the league, known for their tactical discipline and defensive resilience. Chengdu FC, on the other hand, fielded a young and energetic squad, often relying on speed and counter-attacks to overcome their opponents. The stakes were high for both teams, with Beijing looking to solidify their position in the top half of the table and Chengdu seeking to extend their surprising run of form.
The game started at a slow pace, with both teams feeling each other out. Beijing’s midfield duo of Adhemar and Renato looked to control the tempo, while Chengdu’s wingers kept pushing forward, trying to exploit the full-backs. The first goal came in the 15th minute when Beijing’s left-back Ivan Salcedo delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and their star striker Cai Yuchen headed it home from close range.
Chengdu responded well, adopting an attacking approach that relied on quick transitions and overlapping full-backs. Their persistence paid off in the 35th minute when midfielder Valdivia, known for his dribbling ability, broke through the midfield and fired a low shot past Beijing’s goalkeeper Li Haoyu. The goal sent the away fans into a frenzy, but Beijing remained composed.
The second half saw both teams pushing for a winner, with Beijing’s defense standing firm under pressure. Chengdu’s defense, however, began to crack under the weight of Beijing’s relentless attacks. In the 70th minute, Beijing’s right-winger Sun Xinghe delivered a cross that deflected off a Chengdu defender and rolled into the net, giving Beijing the lead.
Chengdu refused to back down, though. In the 80th minute, their substitute striker Cazinho, who had been introduced late in the game, fired a shot from outside the box that beat Li Haoyu. The goal brought the game level, but Beijing’s defense held firm in stoppage time to ensure a 2-1 victory.
This match was a microcosm of the CSL season, showcasing the tactical ingenuity and youthful energy that define the league. Beijing’s experience and organizational ability proved crucial, while Chengdu’s never-say-die attitude highlighted the potential of their young squad. Both teams will take confidence into the remaining games, with the playoffs on the horizon. For CSL fans, this was a game to remember, filled with drama and strategy.