The 2026 Chinese Football Association Member Association Champions League continued to deliver compelling action as Dalian Juxing Shengheng secured a commanding 2-0 away victory over Zigong Black White at the Zigong Sports Centre on the evening of July 7. The result underlined Dalian’s growing credentials as a side to watch in the national amateur-to-semi-professional competition, while leaving the home side searching for answers after a frustrating night in front of their own fans.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Dalian Juxing Shengheng imposed a disciplined yet adventurous game plan. The visitors controlled the tempo through midfield, pressing high and forcing Zigong Black White into errors deep in their own half. The first goal arrived in the 23rd minute when a quick transitional move caught the Zigong defence flat-footed. A precise through ball split the centre-backs, allowing the Dalian striker to slot calmly past the home goalkeeper.

Zigong Black White tried to respond before half-time, but their efforts were largely limited to long-range efforts that drifted wide or were comfortably gathered by the Dalian keeper. The home side’s best chance came from a set piece in the 39th minute, but a glancing header flashed just over the crossbar.

Key Moments

• 23' Goal (0-1): A crisp counter-attack saw Dalian’s No.10 release the ball into the path of the advancing winger, who cut inside and fired into the bottom corner.
• 57' Goal (0-2): A defensive lapse from Zigong allowed Dalian to double the lead. A corner kick was only half-cleared, and the subsequent shot deflected past a stranded home goalkeeper.
• 71' Missed Chance: Zigong’s substitute forward had a golden opportunity from six yards out but steered his effort straight at the Dalian keeper.

Tactical Story

Dalian Juxing Shengheng set up in a compact 4-2-3-1 that became fluid in attack, with the full-backs pushing high to create overloads. Their pressing strategy was particularly effective in the middle third, where they won the ball back repeatedly and initiated quick vertical passes. Zigong Black White, operating in a 4-4-2, struggled to find rhythm in possession. Their wingers were often isolated, and the midfield duo lacked the mobility to disrupt Dalian’s build-up play.

As the match progressed, Zigong switched to a more direct approach, launching long balls towards two tall forwards. However, Dalian’s centre-backs dominated aerial duels, winning 78% of headers in their own box according to match statistics. The visitors also showed excellent game management after the second goal, slowing the tempo and keeping possession in safe areas.

Standout Performers

For Dalian Juxing Shengheng, the attacking midfielder wearing the No.10 jersey was instrumental. He created five chances, completed 89% of his passes, and was involved in both goals. The home side’s left-back, despite the scoreline, put in a tireless shift with several overlapping runs and timely tackles, but he received little support going forward.

Zigong Black White’s goalkeeper made three good saves to prevent the margin from being wider, but he could do little about the two goals that beat him. The home side will need to sharpen their attacking coordination if they hope to climb the league table in the coming weeks.

Impact on the Season

The win lifts Dalian Juxing Shengheng into a promising position in the Member Association Champions League standings, building momentum for their push toward the knockout stages. For Zigong Black White, this second consecutive loss puts pressure on the coaching staff to adjust tactics and restore confidence ahead of a crucial run of fixtures. Both sides demonstrated why the CMCL remains one of China’s most fiercely contested grassroots football competitions, where every match offers drama and opportunity.