Chengdu's Heart-Pounding Title Chase: Can They Hold On?
John Aloisi’s team is on the brink of history, just needing a single point in their final match to claim their first-ever title. Yet, what should have been a straightforward task has turned into a nerve-wracking challenge. The potential for one of the biggest collapses in Asian football is looming large.
The former striker, now head coach of Chengdu Rongcheng, has watched as their 12-point lead over Dalian Yingbo has dwindled to a mere three. With the final showdown approaching, it’s clear that the season's conclusion is shaping up to be both exciting and dramatic. This twist comes at the end of a campaign that started on a low note, with several teams facing point deductions due to a crackdown on match-fixing and corruption, as highlighted by the Chinese Football Association.
Chengdu was among the clubs beginning on level footing, thanks to sanctions that affected even the defending champions, Shanghai Port, who lost five points. The early season was a surreal affair, with Chengdu swiftly establishing a commanding lead while the traditional powerhouses struggled.
Located in a city renowned for its delicious cuisine and adorable pandas, Chengdu has never been a football stronghold, despite past attempts to establish a solid club presence. The Chengdu Blades, once a part of the English football scene, dissolved in 2015, and efforts to nurture local football have had mixed results.
Formed in 2018, Chengdu Rongcheng has risen through the ranks, reaching the brink of glory this season. However, their recent form has been alarming, with just two wins from their last 13 matches and three consecutive losses putting their title hopes in jeopardy.
It felt like the title was within reach weeks ago. On October 10, over 40,000 fans were ready to celebrate, but a last-gasp goal from Tianjin Jinmen Tiger dashed those hopes. Following that, a 3-0 defeat at Shanghai Port and a painful 1-0 loss to Dalian Yingbo, where they missed a penalty and had a late equalizer disallowed, left the team reeling.
Chengdu hasn’t found the back of the net in nearly seven hours of play, while Dalian is on a roll with four straight wins. If Dalian secures another victory against Tianjin, Chengdu will need at least a point against Shandong Taishan, as the league title is determined by head-to-head results first.
Public sentiment is not in Chengdu's favor, either. Dalian's fanbase, bolstered by around 60,000 supporters, has become the people's choice, while Chengdu has faced criticism over incidents involving their fans. Last November, they were fined $70,000 after some supporters racially abused an opponent, adding to their troubled reputation.
Regardless of the outcome, this season has taken a dramatic turn from its dismal beginnings, bringing a surge in attendance to around 30,000 per game—a significant increase from last year's figures and the highest in Asia. Regional leagues are also gaining traction, reflecting a growing passion for the sport that seems to thrive more organically than through top-down initiatives.
However, the national team remains a point of concern. Recent defeats, including a crushing 5-0 loss to Palestine, have added to the disappointment. While there were extenuating circumstances—many players were competing in the Asian Games—losing to Palestine struck a particularly sour note.
Yet, there are positive signs as young Chinese players are beginning to close the gap with their Asian rivals, reaching finals in both the under-17 and under-23 Asian championships this year. Exporting more talent to Europe could be key to improving the national team's prospects.
For Chengdu Rongcheng, the stakes couldn't be higher. A failure to secure the title could haunt them as they stand on the edge of a historic achievement.
