In the summer transfer window, a showdown of top foreign players: "Mi God" vs "Wei God", but the real star is Yago!

Written by / Zuo Rui, Wang Wei In the match on August 3, which ended 2-4, Shenzhen Xinpengcheng and Zhejiang Greentown staged a goal fest. Mitric contributed one goal and one assist, while Wesley scored one. Both teams' marquee summer signings had impressive performances, but the true MVP of the match was Yago, who came off the bench for Zhejiang and scored twice.

It was all about the thrill! Once again, Zhejiang turned the game around in stoppage time, securing all three points away and achieving their first three-match winning streak of the season.

In the pre-match press conference, head coach Kaneda stated that the team has been in good form lately, having achieved two consecutive victories. This match was crucial for them, and the entire team was well prepared. Previously, Zhejiang had secured two wins but failed to achieve a third consecutive victory. "This match will test our determination and confidence to become a strong team."

The starting lineup sent out by Kaneda included: goalkeeper Zhao Bo; defenders Liu Haofan, Wang Shiqin, Sun Guowen, Lucas, and Zhang Aihui; midfielders Qian Jieqi and Li Tixiang; and forwards Mitric, Frank, and Wang Yudong. Facing the summer heat and the challenges of playing away, he had ample backup—new center forward Yago, who had already drawn a match in the league, continued to wait on the bench.

The first half was average, but the outcome was different. In the 38th minute, Mitric made a brilliant outside-foot curved pass from midfield, bypassing the defense to reach Frank, who scored with a solo effort. However, the subsequent match process and details showed that despite having strong reinforcements, Zhejiang still needed to work hard to return to the ranks of strong teams.

In the second half, two defensive errors allowed the opponents to take the lead. Trailing 1-2, Kaneda made adjustments and waited another 10 minutes before making a decisive substitution. In the 76th minute, Yago came on, and the show began.

In the 83rd minute, Yago unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that hit the crossbar, allowing Xinpengcheng to escape a crisis. A minute later, Ousu replaced Sun Guowen to strengthen the right side's attacking power. It seemed that this substitution might have come too late. In the 88th minute, Wang Yudong assisted a new teammate, shaking off his defender to cross, and Yago headed in to equalize. Notably, Zhejiang displayed a strong desire to win both before and after equalizing, but with 11 minutes of stoppage time already halfway through, Wang Yudong repeatedly evaded defenders and passed to the right. Ousu's shot was blocked, but Yago arrived at the far post to score again with a left-footed effort. 3-2, Zhejiang regained the lead.

In the final moments of stoppage time, the home team's counterattack hit the crossbar, and Zhao Bo, responsible for the previous goal, cleared the ball from the penalty area, resulting in an assist. Mitric, using his exceptional skill and speed, successfully faced off against the opposing defender and scored again, making it 4-2!

As the final whistle blew, Yago raised his fist and shouted. Perhaps this significant away performance would increase his playing time in the remaining rounds of the league. In a post-match interview, Bai Helamu candidly stated that the opposing "two foreigners were too fast and hard to defend," while Zhejiang's top scorer Wang Yudong, who participated in two goals, emphasized that the three points were a team effort and that the key to the comeback was the team's refusal to give up.

Wesley scored again, netting 5 goals in 3 matches, truly deserving the title of "Wei God." However, Xinpengcheng's defensive errors contributed to their opponent's three-match winning streak, while new coach Pep faced two consecutive losses since taking over.

This match was Pep's third in charge. In the previous two matches, Xinpengcheng had one win and one loss. Before the match, Pep revealed that the team had prepared well, with long training sessions and high intensity. Although Zhejiang was a formidable opponent, at home, "we are full of energy and hope to present our best side. I feel the players are also confident and want to deliver an exciting match." Due to minor muscle issues, Jiang Zhipeng and Edu were not included in the squad, and Hu Ruibao also had some physical discomfort and did not play. What gave Pep confidence was Wesley; before the match, he specifically brought Wesley to the press conference, especially since Wesley had already scored 4 goals in the previous two matches.

In the first half, Xinpengcheng was trailing 0-1. At the start of the second half, Wesley sounded the counterattack horn, receiving an assist from substitute Yang Yiming to score and equalize. With 5 goals in 3 matches, Wesley's efficiency is astonishing. In the 65th minute, Liao Lisheng assisted Yang Yiming, who scored with a header, putting Xinpengcheng ahead 2-1. Just when it seemed that Xinpengcheng saw the light of victory at home, Zhejiang scored two goals in the final stages, ultimately resulting in a 2-4 loss for Xinpengcheng.

From the 88th to the 104th minute, Xinpengcheng conceded 3 goals, all related to the team's lack of focus and defensive errors. This was careless and too easily done. Before this match, Xinpengcheng had already conceded 38 goals, the second most in the league. After this round, their total conceded goals reached 42.

Regarding Xinpengcheng's defensive issues, Pep had actually observed them before taking over as head coach, especially the numerous basic errors leading to conceded goals. He also required the players not to give opponents too many crossing opportunities and to be tougher in their defensive actions within the penalty area. Pep stated that if the opponent executed a very beautiful attack, conceding a goal was unavoidable, but he did not allow basic errors to result in goals.

However, basic errors continued. In the last two matches, Xinpengcheng conceded 7 goals, 4 of which were during stoppage time. In response, Pep noted that when the fourth goal was conceded, Dugaliqi had gone forward, "We were trying to equalize." But in the end, it was 2-4, and there was nothing he could do. "At that moment, we were behind and had to push forward. In fact, we had opportunities to finish the match earlier; Wesley had two chances, including one open goal, but it hit the crossbar; Zhang Wei also had a chance to score the third goal... If we had scored, the score might have changed to 3-1, and the match would have ended."

Regarding this match, Pep said: "In my opinion, we played well for 90 minutes because during that period, we turned the score around to 2-1. But we also know that the opponent is a very strong team. I believe our players put in a lot of effort in this match, displaying many positive aspects, whether in ball control or pressing. We understand their capabilities. In the second half, against a possession-based team, we controlled the ball, scored the first goal, and then turned the score around through a set piece. During that period, our control of the match was quite good. It was just that at that moment, the opponent showcased their ability and scored."

"Football matches are all about who scores more and makes fewer mistakes. The opponent seized on our errors and scored more goals. This night was very difficult for our fans and players, but I feel the players have done their best. Going forward, we need to continue adjusting and avoid similar goals conceded," Pep concluded.