Mount Tai 5-1 Claim First CSL Win in Four Rounds, Climb to Fourth! End Iron Men's Three-Game Streak; Zeca with Two Goals and One Assist, Kaza Double Strike

In a pivotal encounter of CSL Round 16 finishing on the evening of June 27 Beijing time, Shandong Taishan thrashed promoted side Liaoning Iron Men 5-1 on the road. The first half saw Xie Wenneng set up Zeca for the opener, Madruga earning a penalty that Zeca slotted for a brace, and Kazaishvili striking the woodwork. After the break, Li Haoran conceded a penalty, Kazaishvili scored from the spot, Zeca assisted Madruga’s header to seal the win, Bang Benyi Yu pulled one back with a world-class strike for Iron Men, and Kazaishvili added a second late on for a brace.

Taishan completed a "double" over Iron Men this season, ending a three-game winless run in the CSL (one draw, two losses). After claiming their first victory in four matches, they now sit with eight wins, three draws, and five losses. Due to previous "match-fixing, gambling, and black" scandals resulting in a six-point deduction, Taishan have 21 points from 16 games, moving up to fourth place. Meanwhile, Liaoning Iron Men saw their four-game unbeaten run and three-game winning streak snapped, standing at five wins, two draws, and nine losses for 17 points.

[Key Moments]

In the 14th minute, Xie Wenneng delivered a backheel cross, and Zeca slid in to finish, giving Taishan a 1-0 lead over Iron Men.

In the 22nd minute, Madruga went down in the box. Referee Du Jianxin initially awarded a goal kick, but after VAR intervention, a penalty was given to Taishan. Zeca calmly converted to make it 2-0.

In the 52nd minute, Li Haoran’s arm made contact with the ball while defending. VAR intervened and a penalty was awarded. Kazaishvili stepped up and scored, putting Taishan 3-0 ahead on the road.

In the 55th minute, Zeca delivered a cross, and Madruga headed home to make it 4-0 for Taishan away from home.

In the 69th minute, Bang Benyi Yu cut inside and fired a stunning long-range strike, pulling one back for Iron Men, leaving the score 1-4.

In stoppage time, Kazaishvili tapped in from close range to complete his brace, sealing a 5-1 victory for Taishan over Iron Men.

[Match Highlights]

Just two minutes into the match, Huang Zhengyu unleashed a curling shot from outside the box, narrowly missing the post.

In the 32nd minute, Zeca had a one-on-one chance but hesitated too long against the onrushing Zhang Yan, missing a golden opportunity for a hat-trick.

In the first minute of first-half stoppage time, Kazaishvili faced an open goal but half-turned and fired against the crossbar.

After the break, in the 59th minute, Zeca met a teammate's cross and headed powerfully from close range, only to be denied by Zhang Yan.

In the 78th minute, Zeca appeared to suffer a muscle strain during a counterattack and was forced off, replaced by Peng Yixiang.

In the 82nd minute, An Yien hit the post, and Mbenza’s follow-up goal was ruled out for offside.

[Player Ratings]

[Statistics]

[Lineups]

Liaoning Iron Men Starting XI (4-1-4-1)

Goalkeeper: 29-Zhang Yan

Defenders: 5-Dilmurat (46'6-Wajid (F)), 26-Yuan Mincheng, 15-Felipe (F), 11-Chen Binbin (46'3-Pan Ximing)

Defensive Midfielder: 18-Li Tixiang (87'17-Tian Yuda)

Midfielders: 7-An Yien, 10-Bang Benyi Yu (F), 14-Zang Yifeng, 35-Li Haoran (71'30-Pang Shenghan)

Forward: 9-Mbenza (F)

Unused Substitutes: 21-Han Rongze, 4-Tian Ziyi, 20-Gui Zihan, 27-Gao Jiarun, 28-Xu Dong, 34-Zhang Hongfu, 36-Tian De'ao, 37-Zheng Jiacheng

Shandong Taishan Starting XI (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: 14-Wang Dalei

Defenders: 6-Wang Tong (46'17-Li Xiaoheng), 33-Gao Zhunyi, 5-Zheng Zheng (65'3-Peng Xiao), 11-Liu Yang

Midfielders: 8-Madruga (F), 35-Huang Zhengyu (65'38-Yimulan Maimaiti), 28-Maiwulang Mijiti (91'15-Shi Songchen)

Forwards: 7-Xie Wenneng, 19-Zeca (F) (79'42-Peng Yixiang), 10-Kazaishvili (F)

Unused Substitutes: 1-Yu Jinyong, 36-Liu Qiwei, 2-Yang Ruiqi, 24-Duan Liuyu, 29-Chen Pu, 31-Zhao Jianfei, 34-Yin Jiaxi

Referee: Du Jianxin VAR: Liang Songshang