Shijiazhuang Megason kicked off their 2026 Chinese Football Association Member Association Champions League campaign with an impressive 3-1 home win against Dalian Haiqing Changlong on 8 May 2026. The match, held in Shijiazhuang, showcased the home side’s attacking flair and resilience after an early setback.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, both teams displayed high energy, typical of the early rounds of China’s grassroots champion-level competition. Dalian Haiqing Changlong took a surprise lead in the 12th minute, capitalising on a defensive miscommunication. However, Shijiazhuang Megason responded swiftly, equalising just before the half-hour mark. The home side dominated the second half, scoring twice more to secure a comfortable victory.

Key Moments

• Dalian’s opener: A long ball over the top caught the Shijiazhuang defence off guard, and the Dalian striker finished calmly.
• Shijiazhuang’s equaliser: A free-kick from the edge of the box was headed home by a centre-back, restoring parity.
• Second-half dominance: Shijiazhuang Megason came out with renewed intensity. Their second goal came from a well-worked short corner routine.
• Sealing the win: A breakaway goal in the 78th minute put the game beyond Dalian’s reach, with the winger cutting inside and curling a shot into the far corner.

Tactical Story

Shijiazhuang Megason employed a 4-3-3 formation that allowed their full-backs to push forward actively. After going behind, they increased the tempo and pressed Dalian’s midfield aggressively, forcing turnovers. Dalian Haiqing Changlong relied on counter-attacks but lacked the finishing touch after the first goal. The visitors’ defence struggled to cope with Shijiazhuang’s overlapping runs, particularly in the second half.

Standout Players

• Shijiazhuang Megason No. 10: The playmaker orchestrated the comeback, providing two assists and dictating play.
• Shijiazhuang Megason left-winger: Scored the third goal and was a constant threat, drawing fouls and creating space.
• Dalian Haiqing Changlong goalkeeper: Made several saves to prevent an even larger margin of defeat.

Competition Context

The Chinese FA Member Association Champions League (also known as the CMCL) serves as the third tier of Chinese football, featuring teams from across the country. Shijiazhuang Megason’s strong start places them in an early pole position in their group, while Dalian Haiqing Changlong will need to regroup quickly to keep their promotion hopes alive. Next weekend’s fixtures will be crucial for both sides as they aim to climb the standings in this competitive league.