Barracuda Bay Upsets the Defending Champion, Dalian Yingbo Breaks Free from a 9-Match Winless Streak

Special Contribution / Ding Xu Dalian Yingbo Haifa, facing two consecutive losses early in the season, secured a 1-0 home victory against the three-time Chinese Super League champion Shanghai Port despite being in a tough spot. Supported by 58,337 fans, Yingbo, returning to Barracuda Bay after 118 days, finally showcased the long-missing "Dalian spirit," playing a splendid match. With this key victory, the team decisively emerged from the gloom of a nine-match winless streak across seasons.

Due to the schedule arrangement, Yingbo played away in both of its first two rounds, losing to Shenhua and Sanzhen. Originally starting with zero points, after the two opening losses, the previous "advantage" was largely depleted, and the team faced considerable pressure following the last defeat.

Against Port, Yingbo employed a 4231 formation in the starting lineup, marking another tactical change by head coach Li Guoxu after the 4141 and 442 setups used in the first two rounds. In terms of personnel, Mao Weijie and Bi Jinhao replaced the injured Cao Haiqing and Li Ang, while Yang Mingre took the place of Feng Jin, who was unavailable due to loan restrictions.

It is worth noting that this was Mao Weijie's first appearance this season, and he played as a left-back—an adjustment that surprised most before the match, indicating Li Guoxu's determined, all-out approach to secure a win. After kickoff, Port, with no changes to their starting lineup, took the initiative, with Gabriel repeatedly threatening Yingbo's goal. After weathering the visitors' early onslaught, Yingbo launched a counterattack. In the 17th and 27th minutes, Achimpon and Yang Mingre scored two goals, but both were ruled out for offside. In the 40th minute, Yang Mingre's close-range header inside the penalty area missed the right post.

After the halftime break, Port made the first substitution, with Zhang Linpeng replacing Wei Zhen who had a facial injury. Yingbo capitalized on the opponent's unsettled defense to score first. In the 47th minute, Achimpon delivered a diagonal pass from the left, Malalei provided a cut-back pass from the left side of the penalty area, and Achimpon finished with a close-range push, giving Yingbo the lead with their only shot on target of the match. Subsequently, Stanciu and Alimi's long-range efforts also threatened the goal guarded by Yan Junling.

In the final stages of the match, Li Guoxu successively substituted Luo Jing and Huang Shan for Yang Mingre and Achimpon to maintain the team's energy. Near the end, Li Shuai and Malalei each threatened the opponent's goal. Ultimately, Yingbo maintained the 1-0 score until the final whistle. Throughout the game, Yingbo outperformed Port in statistics such as shots (10 vs. 8), tackles (15 vs. 13), and interceptions (4 vs. 2), securing a victory without dispute.

Yingbo achieved their first win of the season, simultaneously ending a nine-match winless streak spanning seasons. The last time Yingbo won a league match dates back to September 14 last year, when they reversed a 2-1 victory against Xinpengcheng at home. "I thank the players for holding up under pressure during the difficult period and showcasing their abilities in the season's first home game." After the match, Li Guoxu praised the entire Yingbo team.

Li Guoxu admitted: "I don't want to talk too much about tactics; the outcome of a football match isn't solely determined by tactics, many spiritual aspects are also crucial." It is little known that since returning to Dalian after the loss in Wuhan last Saturday, the club and coaching staff have been communicating with the players continuously. Li Guoxu hosted a dinner for the whole team, hoping the players would shed their psychological burdens and play freely. Compared to the sluggish performances in the first two CSL rounds, this round Yingbo displayed the long-awaited "Dalian spirit," and the team relied on this drive to grind out the win. Yingbo's "psychological guidance" evidently had a significant effect.

Mao Weijie, who performed exceptionally well against Port, received special praise from Li Guoxu. "He played this position for the first time, not only defending well but also contributing to attack, demonstrating the relentless spirit of Dalian players through constant running and battling." Mao Weijie believed Yingbo's victory stemmed from team unity and fully executed the coaching staff's pre-match tactical plan. "The weather was cold, our early results were poor, yet nearly 60,000 fans came to support the team at home. We felt very warm, and we repaid them with hard work and a win."

Li Guoxu also attributed Yingbo's victory to the fans: "Thanks to the Dalian Football Reform and Development Working Group and all those who have consistently cared for Yingbo—they have always encouraged the team. We must thank the nearly 60,000 fans present. At home, our players' competitive state is simply better; winning is connected to fan support. It is the fans' cheers that make them run and fight with full effort every time."

A long-awaited victory dispelled all doubts. Li Guoxu reflected: "This win feels the same as my first victory coaching at Barracuda Bay. I hope we maintain this good fortune and momentum, performing well in future matches." As usual, Yingbo's bonus for beating a strong team is doubled. It is reported that the win bonus for defeating Port reached 3 million yuan. As the saying goes, substantial rewards inspire brave warriors.

After this match, the Chinese Super League enters an intermission due to the international match window. To reward all players, the coaching staff granted a three-day break. However, some players cannot rest: Mao Weijie, Zhu Pengyu, and Yang Mingre will report to the U-series national team; Alimi returns to North Macedonia for the European qualifiers of the World Cup; and Stanciu is also likely to be selected for the Romanian national team.