Huaian Team edged a five-goal thriller 3-2 against Xuzhou Team in the Jiangsu City Football League on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Xuzhou Olympic Sports Center. A brace from Zhang Lei and a second-half strike from Zhou Xin gave Huaian the win, despite a spirited late fightback from the hosts.

Match Overview

In front of 13,000 fans, the match was an end-to-end spectacle from the start. Xuzhou took an early lead, but Huaian responded strongly and led 3-1 with 20 minutes to play. Xuzhou pulled one back late, but Huaian held on for a memorable away victory.

Key Moments

• 12' – Goal Xuzhou! Wang Dong opens the scoring with a crisp finish.
• 23' – Goal Huaian! Zhang Lei equalizes with a header from a corner.
• 55' – Goal Huaian! Zhang Lei scores his second, finishing a quick counter.
• 70' – Goal Huaian! Zhou Xin makes it 3-1 with a low drive.
• 88' – Goal Xuzhou! Li Ming gives the hosts hope with a close-range finish.
• 90+5' – Huaian clear a final corner to secure the win.

Tactical Story

Xuzhou started in a 4-4-2 but were repeatedly exposed on the break by Huaian’s pacey forward line. Huaian’s 4-2-3-1 transitioned quickly, with Zhang Lei and Zhou Xin exploiting space behind the full-backs. Xuzhou dominated possession (58%) but were let down by poor defending from set pieces and counter-attacks. A late switch to three at the back gave Xuzhou more attacking urgency, leading to Li Ming’s goal, but they could not find an equalizer.

Standout Players

Zhang Lei (Huaian) – Two goals, including a bullet header, and relentless running. Zhou Xin (Huaian) – Scored the crucial third and dictated the tempo. Li Ming (Xuzhou) – Scored late and was a constant threat, but it wasn’t enough.

Table and Season Impact

Huaian leapfrog Xuzhou into seventh place, now just two points off the top five. Xuzhou drop to tenth, a damaging home defeat that leaves them looking over their shoulder. Both sides showed attacking flair, but Huaian’s clinical finishing proved the difference in a game that will be remembered for its entertainment value.