Beijing and Yunnan Share Points in Six-Goal Thriller
Beijing Guoan and Yunnan Yukun played out a 3-3 draw in the Super League's 24th round at Verkers Stadium on Saturday. The result keeps Beijing second on 37 points while Yunnan remain sixth, still 11 points behind the leaders. To be fair, both sides had chances to win it, and neither was willing to settle for a point. By then, the visitors had already shown they could trouble any defence in the league.
Dawhan opened the scoring in the 36th minute, giving Beijing the lead before half-time. Zhang Yuning levelled the score shortly after the break, his 50th-minute goal turning the game on its head. And here's the thing — you wouldn't have predicted a match like this before kick-off. Beijing looked comfortable until Yunnan found their rhythm.
Bunyamin Abdusalam put the visitors ahead in the 58th minute, and suddenly Beijing had to chase the game. Oscar Taty Maritu equalised for the hosts in the 65th minute, but Sai Erjini'ao restored Yunnan's lead just four minutes later. Beijing refused to lie down. They dragged themselves back into contention and forced the match into extra time.
The final moments belonged to Alexandru Ioniță, who scored in the 91st minute to rescue a point for Beijing. It was a dramatic finish, and one that leaves both teams wondering what might have been. John Hou Sæter and several others came off the bench, but the game had already been decided by the opening half. The high line was picked apart more than once, and that's where the chances came from.
Beijing dominated possession at 60 per cent and created four big chances, but shots on target were eight to five in their favour. Yunnan made more clearances — 43 compared to 18 — and relied on counter-attacks to stay in the game. Both teams recorded 12 key passes, but it was Beijing's ability to get into the box that made the difference. Three goals from 11 shots is not efficiency, but it was enough.
The result means Beijing stay in the mix for the title, while Yunnan continue their push for a top-four finish. Both sides have played 25 games now, and the gap between them and the leaders remains substantial. Beijing's recent form has been impressive, with four wins in their last five matches. Yunnan have not won since their last outing, but this draw keeps their hopes alive.