In a thrilling Round 2 match of the Chinese Super League season, Shandong Luneng pulled off a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory at home against Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao. This marked Luneng’s first league win over Evergrande in seven full CSL seasons since the latter was promoted in 2011—a breakthrough that fans had been waiting on for years.

Over the previous six seasons, regardless of home or away fixtures, Luneng had failed to claim a single league win against the reigning powerhouse. Since 2011, the two teams had met 12 times in the Super League, with Evergrande winning six and drawing six. Even in Jinan, Luneng’s home ground, Evergrande maintained an unbeaten record with three wins and three draws. The only glimmer of success Luneng previously had came in the 2015 Super Cup, where they edged out Evergrande in a penalty shootout.

Historically, the rivalry between these two clubs runs deep. Before Evergrande’s rise to dominance, Luneng was a domestic giant, claiming three league titles over five seasons. However, Evergrande’s promotion to the top flight in 2011 reshaped the football landscape in China. From 2011 to 2016, they won six consecutive CSL titles, firmly establishing themselves as the league’s undisputed juggernaut. Notably, in both the 2013 and 2014 seasons, Evergrande sealed their league titles at Luneng’s expense—once with a 4-2 away win in Round 27 to clinch a third consecutive title, and again with a 1-1 draw in the final round of 2014.

Those painful moments cemented Luneng as what fans dubbed the “backdrop team” in Evergrande’s title celebrations. Last season, Luneng were swept in both meetings: a 0-2 loss at home and a crushing 0-4 defeat away. But this time was different. Despite conceding an early goal, Luneng didn’t lose their composure. The squad stayed focused, rallied in the second half, and reversed the scoreline—showing grit and unity rarely seen in past seasons.

This Crickex Login comeback wasn’t built solely on the backs of the club’s youth, but the experienced players—Hao Junmin, Graziano Pellè, Gil, and Diego Tardelli—led by example. Their leadership became a beacon for the next generation of Luneng talents such as Cui Wei, Guo Tianyu, and Liu Junshuai, who watched closely as veterans turned the tide.

These familiar faces may eventually fade from the pitch, but the spirit they pass on can inspire the club’s future. For Shandong Luneng, this wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Dreams are built one match at a time, and today, Luneng proved that even giants can be toppled.

Keep fighting, Luneng. The best is yet to come.