The Chinese football league has been rocked by a major blow as Shenhua, one of the most successful clubs in the country, suffered a 2-1 defeat against their rivals Hebei China Fortune on Saturday.

The loss leaves Shenhua just five points behind Hebei in the race for the top spot, with both teams now having played six matches this season.

Shenhua's defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for the club, which had been in fine form recently and looked set to challenge for the title.

But the defeat also highlights the challenges that come with being one of the biggest clubs in China.

Shenhua have always been a strong team, but they are not immune to the ups and downs of the game.

Their loss will no doubt be a morale boost for Hebei, who were already struggling to keep up with the pace of their rivals.

However, it is important to remember that football is a sport that can change quickly and that even the best teams can struggle from time to time.

For Shenhua, the key now is to bounce back and regroup before facing Hebei again next week.

In the meantime, the rest of the league will look to take advantage of the situation and try to maintain their position at the top.

It remains to be seen how the race for the top spot will unfold in the coming weeks, but one thing is certain - there will be plenty of drama and excitement ahead.