Chengdu Rongcheng still need a point to secure their first Chinese Super League title after three consecutive defeats. The Guardian reports that John Aloisi's team have seen a 12-point advantage over Dalian Yingbo reduced to three before the final round.
Three missed opportunities
Chengdu needed only a point with four matches remaining. They then lost 1-0 to Tianjin Jinmen Tiger on 10 October, when Alberto Quiles scored in added time.
A 3-0 defeat at Shanghai Port followed. In the penultimate match, Dalian won 1-0 after Chengdu missed a first-half penalty and had a 90th-minute equaliser disallowed following a VAR review.
The source records almost seven hours without a Chengdu goal and only two victories in their last 13 matches. That contrasts with their opening 12 games, during which they dropped just two points.
Dalian maintain the challenge
Dalian enter the final round after four successive wins. If they beat Tianjin to extend that run, Chengdu need a point away to Shandong Taishan in the scenario described by the report.
The league uses head-to-head results before goal difference to separate teams level on points, according to The Guardian. That keeps the three-point gap significant before the last fixtures.
Founded in 2018, Chengdu have risen through the divisions to reach this position under former Portsmouth and Coventry striker Aloisi. Their match at Shandong and Dalian's meeting with Tianjin are the next assignments that will complete the title race.