Dalian Yingbo overturns 14-point gap with 5 games left to win unlikely Chinese Super League title

Dalian Yingbo secured the Chinese Super League title with a remarkable comeback, defeating Tianjin Jinmen Tigers 3-1 in front of 60,000 fans. The team began the season three points behind Chengdu Rongcheng, who had been atop the standings since the start. Despite Chengdu's superior goal difference, Dalian had won both matches between the two teams.

Chengdu, coached by former Australia international John Aloisi, lost 3-2 to Shandong Taishan, ending the season on a disappointing note. The Chinese Football Association, Ministry of Public Security, and General Administration of Sport imposed widespread punishments on nine of the 16 top-tier teams in January, citing a campaign to combat match-fixing, gambling, and corruption in football.

Despite these sanctions, Dalian and Chengdu avoided penalties. Defending champion Shanghai Port was deducted five points, Shanghai Shenhua began the season on -10, and Beijing Guoan received a five-point penalty, finishing third. Wuhan Three Towns and Qingdao Hainiu were relegated to League One.