In Round 26 of the Chinese Super League, Shanghai Shenhua claimed their first win in three matches with a 3-1 away victory over Tianjin Teda. With this result, they now sit nine points clear of fifth-placed Hebei China Fortune, making next season’s AFC Champions League qualification almost certain.

Shenhua’s strong league position this late in the season owes much to their formidable home record. With nine wins and four draws, they remain unbeaten at Hongkou Stadium, turning it into a nightmare venue for visiting teams. In contrast, their away form has been far less impressive — before this match, they had managed just two wins, five draws, and five losses on the road, a mid-table away record compared to other league powerhouses. To give his key players maximum rest for the weekend’s league fixture, coach Gregorio Manzano even made the strategic decision to forgo the Chinese FA Cup.

That choice paid off, as Shenhua were able to field their strongest lineup against Tianjin Teda. Although Teda equalized early in the second half through Hui Jiakang and piled on the pressure for a spell, Shenhua responded with clinical counterattacks. Goals from Lv Zheng and Obafemi Martins sealed the victory, giving Shenhua their third away win of the season.

The three points widened their gap over Hebei to nine, and with only four matches remaining, their AFC Champions League spot is all but guaranteed. However, this is no time for Shenhua to relax. Their city rivals, Shanghai SIPG, remain a major threat, still eyeing the third-place finish. As an experienced CSL force, Shenhua will not want to see their “younger brother” overtake them in the standings.

The battle for third — a different kind of Shanghai derby — is far from settled. Fans are bracing for a tense run-in, where every goal and point could decide the final standings. Much like the fierce competition seen in Live Cricket BPL, where late-season matches can make or break a team’s fate, Shenhua’s closing fixtures promise high drama and high stakes. And just as Live Cricket BPL supporters follow every twist in their teams’ journeys, Shenhua’s faithful will be watching closely, hoping their side not only secures the Champions League ticket but also finishes ahead of their local rivals. For both football and Live Cricket BPL fans, this is the kind of season climax that keeps passion alive.