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Tianjin Secures Safety in CSL Relegation with Victory.
Updated:2025-11-24 08:30 Views:63**Tianjin Secures Safety in CSL Relegation with Victory**
Tianjin, a cornerstone of Chinese football, secured their safety in the CSL with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Shandong Luneng in their relegation battle on Saturday. The win ensured the northern giants remain in the top-tier league for another season, much to the delight of their fans.
The match was a tense affair, with both teams battling for supremacy. Tianjin came into the game knowing that a loss would send them straight down to the second tier, and they responded with a determined performance. The first half was relatively evenly contested, but the second half saw Tianjin take control. A well-timed counter-attack led by Sun Xinghui saw him slot home the opener in the 54th minute, sending the away fans into a frenzy.
Shandong Luneng, already assured of their CSL status heading into the match, refused to roll over, and responded with a goal from substitute Jiu Li in the 63rd minute. However, Tianjin’s resolve was unshaken. In the 79th minute, they sealed their victory when substitute Steven Zheng delivered a clinical finish, slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
Tianjin’s defense, led by the commanding presence of Zhang Yuning, held firm under pressure, and goalkeeper Li Shifeng made several crucial saves to keep his team in the game. The win, coupled with their previous results, confirmed Tianjin’s place in the CSL for the 2024 season.
Head coach Cuco Van Rijneveld praised his players for their mental strength and ability to adapt during the game. “This victory means everything to us,” he said. “We’ve been through a lot this season, but this win shows our character. We’ll celebrate this, but our job is not done yet. We need to keep pushing forward and build for the future.”
Tianjin’s victory not only guarantees their place in the CSL but also provides a much-needed boost in confidence ahead of their next fixtures. Fans in Tianjin will have plenty to be proud of as their team continues to punch above their weight in Chinese football.
