New Pengcheng misses out on a third consecutive home win! Chen Tao takes responsibility and apologizes to Shenzhen fans.

Reported by journalist Wang Wei. At home, New Pengcheng lost 3-4 to visiting Yukun, ending their home winning streak. After the match, head coach Chen Tao took responsibility and apologized to Shenzhen fans.

Last season, New Pengcheng was defeated twice by Yukun, so the team was highly focused on this game. "This match will be quite challenging. Yukun has invested heavily and brought in many capable players. Jordi is very experienced, having coached in China for many years, with a relatively advanced tactical system." Before the match, Chen Tao anticipated difficulties, but he stated that no matter how tough it is, once on the field, "we must give 200% effort, display the fighting spirit belonging to the team and the city, leaving no regrets."

Chen Tao knew about Yukun's offensive firepower. "The opponent has very distinct characteristics, including the abilities of foreign players and local players, as well as execution of the attacking system. But regardless, we must first focus on ourselves, establish a solid defensive system, and then limit the opponent's performance through our players' strengths."

What Chen Tao said before the match was quickly verified during the game; Yukun's firepower was indeed fierce.

In the 19th, 25th, and 33rd minutes, within just 14 minutes, New Pengcheng conceded three goals. Moreover, the goals were conceded too easily; defensive gaps on both left and right sides allowed the opponent to seize opportunities effortlessly. During that period, New Pengcheng's defense was out of control.

However, New Pengcheng did not collapse. They fought back in desperate circumstances, with Kalchev scoring two consecutive goals, bringing hope to the team.

After switching sides in the second half, New Pengcheng, fighting with their backs against the wall, pressed forward aggressively trying to equalize, but defensive vulnerabilities still existed. Oscar scored again. Although they managed to make it 3-4 with a penalty during stoppage time, ultimately, New Pengcheng lost the match.

This defeat caused New Pengcheng to miss out on a third consecutive home win, ending their perfect home record.

Kalchev was the only consolation for New Pengcheng; his two goals in a short span demonstrated exceptional offensive ability and resilience under pressure. "I knew we had a chance to earn points, so I never gave up, from 0-3 to 2-3, unfortunately we couldn't continue. Next, we will adjust properly and prepare for the next match," Kalchev said.

From the match process, New Pengcheng's lack of defensive focus early on and repeated coordination errors in the backline were the main reasons leading to the defensive collapse. Against the attacking line led by Ionica and Oscar, they were unable to resist.

After the match, Chen Tao sincerely apologized to the fans. "It's regrettable; I feel the players have given their utmost effort. There is indeed a gap; sorry to Shenzhen fans. I believe the one who most needs to reflect and summarize is myself; I take responsibility for this defeat. I hope the players can recover physically and mentally quickly to face the next match. I can guarantee that no matter the match, the team will fight with full effort, pursuing both process and result with a good spirit. Once again, apologies to Shenzhen fans."

Ademi continues to be injured, leaving New Pengcheng with fewer foreign players. "Under such circumstances, facing a team with five foreign players will definitely bring difficulties. But regardless, I believe in my players, including some young players. I am relatively satisfied with their performance; I hope they cherish such opportunities in the future. With a relatively dense schedule, whether starting or substitute, I unconditionally trust them." Chen Tao said after the match, also revealing that normally Ademi needs 6 to 8 weeks for recovery, and currently the situation is good.

Against teams with strong offense, New Pengcheng's defense struggles. How to improve defensive quality? Chen Tao stated after the match that compared to last season, the defense has improved but has certain limitations. "From my perspective, I need to reflect on how to organize these existing players better. Many CSL teams have more foreign players in the front line. Regarding this, we must focus more meticulously in training, organizing them better to avoid similar situations recurring."