The Chinese Super League (CSL) has reached the halfway point of its season, and one of the most intriguing storylines is the race for the top spot. With just two rounds left to go, the relegation battle is heating up, with several teams fighting for their survival.
In round 24, there were no clear-cut winners or losers, but there were some standout performances that will be remembered. One such team was the Guangzhou Evergrande, who managed to secure all three points against Shanghai Shenhua, despite being down to ten men. The result means that Guangzhou still have a chance of finishing in the top four, which would give them a place in the AFC Champions League next year.
However, it's not just about the top four spots; there are also many other teams fighting for survival. For example, the Beijing Guoan and Jiangsu Sainty, both of whom had struggled in recent seasons, are currently sitting at the bottom of the table. It's going to be interesting to see how these teams perform in the final two rounds.
One team that hasn't been performing well this season is the Qingdao Jonoon. Despite having a strong squad, they haven't been able to compete with the top teams, and as a result, they find themselves in serious danger of relegation. However, they may still have a chance if they can turn things around in the remaining two rounds.
Overall, the CSL is a highly competitive league, and the relegation battle is sure to be a fascinating one. As the season comes to a close, we'll have to wait and see which teams will ultimately survive and which ones will face the choppy waters of relegation.