Shanghai Port’s Double Triumph Propels Chengdu Rongcheng to Asian Champions League
Shanghai, China – In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 Chinese FA Cup, Shanghai Port secured a 3-1 victory over Shandong Taishan, claiming their first-ever FA Cup title and achieving the unprecedented doubleof winning both the league and cup championships. This victory, however, had ramifications far beyond the two finalists, significantly impacting the qualification landscape for next season’s Asian Champions League (ACL).
The match held immense significance for several Chinese Super League (CSL) teams. The ACL allocation for Chinese clubs consists of two group stage slots, one playoff spot in the elite league, and onespot in the second-tier league. Shandong Taishan’s only path to the ACL elite league group stage was through FA Cup victory. However, Shanghai Port’s league title already secured them a group stage berth.Their FA Cup triumph triggered a cascade of qualification upgrades for other CSL teams.
Shanghai Shenhua, the league runners-up, leapfrogged from the ACL elite league playoff to a direct group stage entry. More remarkably, Chengdu Rongcheng, who finished third in the CSL, ascended from the second-tierACL to the elite league playoff. This represents a historic achievement for Chengdu Rongcheng, marking their first-ever appearance on the Asian continental stage. Beijing Guoan, finishing fourth, also benefited, securing a place in the second-tier ACL competition.
The atmosphere surrounding the match was electric, with fans fromShanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing all fervently supporting Shanghai Port, whose victory was crucial for their respective clubs’ continental aspirations. The match itself saw Shanghai Port display superior skill and tactical prowess, ultimately securing a deserved victory.
For Chengdu Rongcheng, the playoff represents a significant opportunity. They will compete in August, with a win securing a place in the elite league group stage and a loss relegating them to the second-tier competition. Regardless of the playoff outcome, their elevation to the elite league playoff is a testament to their progress and a significant moment for Chinese football.
This double triumph for Shanghai Port and the subsequentqualification upgrades underscore the growing competitiveness of Chinese football and the increasing international ambition of its clubs. The upcoming ACL playoff for Chengdu Rongcheng will undoubtedly be a closely watched event, showcasing the rising talent and potential of Chinese teams on the Asian stage.
References:
- 封面新闻. (2024,November 23). 海港足协杯夺冠 蓉城升级亚冠精英附加赛. [Online Article]. Retrieved from [Insert original article URL here]
(Note: The original Chinese article URL needs to be inserted for a complete reference. The APA citation style has been loosely followeddue to the limitations of accessing the original source directly.)
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