Chengdu Rongcheng came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Tianjin Jinmen Tiger at the Tianjin Olympic Sports Center on Friday, strengthening their push for a top-four finish in the Chinese Super League. The visitors showed character after conceding an early goal, dominating the second half to claim all three points on the road.

Match Overview

Tianjin started brightly and took an early lead, but Chengdu’s tactical adjustment after the interval turned the game on its head. The win moves Chengdu level on points with the top three, while Tianjin’s inconsistent home form continues to hold them back in mid-table.

Key Moments

• 11' – Tianjin 1–0: A quick counter-attack caught Chengdu off guard. Wang Qiuming latched onto a through-ball from Robert Berić and slotted past the advancing Zhang Yan with composure.
• 54' – Chengdu equalizes (1–1): After a tactical reshuffle at half-time, Chengdu pressed higher. Felipe controlled a long ball on his chest, turned his marker, and lashed a volley into the bottom corner from 18 yards.
• 78' – Chengdu completes the comeback (1–2): A perfectly executed set-piece gave Chengdu the lead. Tang Miao whipped a free-kick to the back post, where Tim Chow arrived unmarked to nod home.
• 90+3' – Tianjin’s last chance: A handball in the box gave Tianjin a penalty deep into stoppage time. But Robert Berić’s spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Zhang Yan, diving low to his right, preserving the win.

Tactical Story

Chengdu started in a 4-3-3 but struggled to cope with Tianjin’s direct, physical approach in the first half. Manager Seo Jung-won switched to a 3-5-2 after the break, adding an extra midfielder to overload the central areas. The change allowed Felipe and Manuel Palacios to link up more effectively, dragging Tianjin’s center-backs out of position. Tianjin, by contrast, became too passive after the equalizer, dropping deeper and inviting pressure that ultimately cost them.

Standout Performers

• Zhang Yan (Chengdu): The goalkeeper was the hero, making a crucial penalty save in stoppage time. He also commanded his area well on crosses throughout the second half.
• Felipe (Chengdu): The Brazilian striker’s goal changed the momentum. His hold-up play and movement troubled Tianjin’s defense all evening.
• Wang Qiuming (Tianjin): Scored the opener and was a threat on the left flank, but faded after the break as Chengdu’s tactical changes nullified his runs.

Table Impact

With 26 points from 14 matches, Chengdu Rongcheng now sit fourth in the table, level on points with third-placed Shandong Taishan and just four behind leaders Shanghai Port. Tianjin Jinmen Tiger remain in 8th place with 19 points. The defeat hurts more given the late penalty miss – a result that could have put them within touching distance of the top six. Chengdu’s away form, with four wins on the road this season, signals their credentials as genuine contenders for an AFC Champions League spot.