Yunnan Yukun edged Dalian Yingbo 4-3 in a breathless Chinese FA Cup tie on 1 November 2026, turning a back-and-forth knockout contest into an instant classic. A late winner settled a match that featured seven goals, several swings in momentum and a finish that kept the home crowd tense until the final whistle.

The scoreline alone makes it a standout result, but the performance added another layer to Yunnan Yukun’s cup run. The home side twice surrendered the lead, weathered long spells of Dalian pressure and still found the composure to strike decisively in the closing stages. For Dalian Yingbo, it was a cruel exit after a brave attacking display that repeatedly exposed gaps in the Yunnan defence.

Match Overview

The game began at a high tempo, with Yunnan Yukun pressing aggressively in the opening exchanges. Their early energy was rewarded when Chen Rui opened the scoring in the 12th minute, finishing low from the edge of the area after a turnover in midfield. The home side’s movement and quick passing caused early problems for Dalian, who struggled to settle into their rhythm.

Dalian responded well, though, and equalised in the 24th minute through Sun Haoran, who converted from close range after a sharp move down the right. That goal changed the mood of the contest. Yunnan regained the lead in the 38th minute when Li Songyi rose highest to meet a corner and power a header beyond the goalkeeper, sending the home side into the break with a narrow advantage.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Chen Rui gives Yunnan Yukun the lead with a low finish after a high press forces a mistake.
• 24th minute: Sun Haoran levels for Dalian Yingbo, converting a cross from the right at the back post.
• 38th minute: Li Songyi restores Yunnan’s lead with a towering header from a corner.
• 52nd minute: Zhang Wei equalises again for Dalian with a curling effort from outside the box.
• 67th minute: Matheus Silva finishes a swift counterattack to make it 3-2 to Yunnan.
• 79th minute: Liu Junshuai heads in a free-kick to bring Dalian level at 3-3.
• 88th minute: Wang Zhicheng drills home the winner after a blocked shot falls invitingly into his path.

The second half was even more open than the first. Dalian equalised for a second time in the 52nd minute when Zhang Wei curled a fine effort beyond the goalkeeper, and for a period the visitors looked the more likely side to take control. Yunnan, however, regrouped and regained the lead through Matheus Silva in the 67th minute, the striker finishing calmly after a rapid break.

Dalian refused to fade. In the 79th minute, Liu Junshuai met a deep free-kick and directed a header into the net to make it 3-3. With the tie seemingly heading toward extra time, Yunnan found one final moment. A blocked shot fell to Wang Zhicheng just inside the area, and the midfielder drilled a low strike through a crowded box to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory in the 88th minute.

Tactical Story

Yunnan Yukun set up with intent, using a high press to disrupt Dalian’s attempts to play out from the back. Their midfield worked hard to close central lanes, and their wide players looked to stretch the defence whenever possession turned over. That approach created chances, but it also left space behind the full-backs, which Dalian exploited on the counter.

Dalian Yingbo’s best moments came through quick transitions and set pieces. They repeatedly targeted the channels and were willing to deliver early crosses into the box. The three goals they scored reflected that directness, but their inability to hold onto possession in key moments allowed Yunnan to regain the initiative. In a match of fine margins, the home side’s sharper finishing in the final third proved decisive.

Standout Players

Wang Zhicheng will be remembered for the winning goal, but his overall contribution was equally important. He kept Yunnan moving in midfield and arrived in dangerous areas late in the game. Matheus Silva also impressed with his movement and link-up play, while Li Songyi delivered a commanding defensive performance in addition to his first-half header.

For Dalian Yingbo, Sun Haoran and Zhang Wei were constant threats. Sun’s equaliser gave his side belief, and Zhang’s second-half strike was one of the goals of the night. Liu Junshuai also deserved credit for his persistence and aerial strength, which briefly looked like it might force the tie into extra time.

What the Result Means