Last Saturday, March 16, the season for the Second Pro League 2019 opened. The Red Lions made their debut and played their first (away) game against Zibo Cu Ju FC in the Zibo City Sports Center Stadium. Over 4100 fans had come and it promised to be an exciting afternoon for all, including Lian Chen who was playing against his old club.
Our Lions started in a 4-2-3-1 line-up with Zhang Xiao on the goal; Yang Guangyu, Zheng Zhihao, Wang Hao, Ge Shengxiang and Shi Xin in defense; Wang Chengyang, Zhong Hua on midfield; Liu Peng, Zhang Yang, Lian Chen up front.
In the first 10 minutes we saw Zibo starting fierce, creating several chances, but our defenders regained control, with strong play by after. In the 36th minutes we suffered some misfortune up front. Striker Zhang Yang had to leave the field with a knee injury. No goals were created at both sides, freezing the scoreboard at 0-0 throughout the first half.
In the second half everything remained the same until the 67th minute. One of our other midfielders, Zhong Hua, was too tired to continue and had to be replaced by debutant and young prospect Ning Dating. In that same minute Zibo had a free kick opportunity from long distance. Zibo’s substitute Tian Xin tried one, opening the score quite impressive with 1-0.
Afterwards our Lions didn't create much chances and Zibo even expanded their lead in the 87th minute by scoring 2-0. In that same minute another young prospects made his entrance at our side. It was the 20 year old Luo Hao replacing attacker Liu Peng.
We congratulate our team with their debut in professional football and we hope to celebrate our first win soon. Next chance will be upcoming Saturday, when our Lions will play their first home game against Ningxia Huo Feng Huang (Jimo stadium; 15.00).
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