Reporter Lu Mi reports At the halfway point of the Chinese Super League, Henan team experienced a remarkable turnaround from the depths of despair in April to a strong resurgence in May. Their earlier slump had plunged the team into relegation anxiety, but the seven rounds of fierce battles in May saw the team visibly recover, announcing a bottom rebound with a three-game winning streak. The only regret was the loss in round 15, which prevented a perfect finish.

From collapse to rebirth

April was the darkest period of the season for Henan team. From April 4 to 26, the team faced Hainiu, Taishan, Yingbo, West Coast, and Shenhua, going five rounds without a win (one draw and four losses), picking up only one point and sliding to the edge of the relegation zone. Even more desperate was that in the five April matches, the team scored only one goal, with the attack completely paralyzed. Throughout April, they were the second-lowest scoring team in the CSL (Zhejiang team had zero goals).

At that time, Henan team suffered a double blow from an injury crisis and poor form among foreign players. Core attacker Narsario was sidelined with a thigh strain, leaving the midfield without a key transition hub. The two foreign strikers, Gustavo and M'Bura, both lost their way, ranking first and third respectively on the list of missed big chances in the CSL. Missing open goals and hesitating on one-on-ones became common. Against Shenhua, M'Bura blasted an open goal from close range, directly dashing the team's hopes of getting points. The defense was also full of holes, with frequent connection errors, and the team often fielded a depleted lineup. Coach Ramos could only patch up one area while another leaked. The team's attacking and defensive systems were completely jammed, external doubts were overwhelming, and the relegation pressure was unprecedented.

Entering May, Henan team seemed like a different side, instantly sweeping away the gloom of April. From May 1 to May 30, they achieved four wins, one draw, and two losses in seven rounds, picking up 13 points and significantly improving their win rate. Not only did they escape the danger of relegation, but they also briefly moved into mid-table, becoming the most improved team in the CSL during May. Among the seven matches, there was a resounding 4-0 victory over Tieren, as well as a hard-fought 2-1 comeback away at Guoan, breaking the 17-year curse of not winning at Workers' Stadium. Every victory was hard-earned, especially the consecutive wins under a tight schedule, forming a sharp contrast with their form in April.

Foreign players regained form

The main reason for the turnaround in May was the revival of foreign player form, especially Narsario's full recovery, which became the key turning point. In the first match of May against Tieren, who had just changed coaches, Narsario started after recovering from injury. He created a free kick right at the start, helping Maya open the scoring, and in the 20th minute, he announced his return with a volleyed shot. Throughout the game, he linked defense and attack, orchestrated the rhythm, and fully revitalized the team.

Gustavo and M'Bura gradually found their form as well. Gustavo contributed two assists and a goal against Tieren, and scored a dramatic winner against Guoan in the 87th minute, shaking off his April slump with strong performances. M'Bura still had many wayward shots, but against Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, he won a crucial penalty, showcasing his impact and holding ability. In round 15 against Zhejiang, he also won a penalty that briefly gave the team hope of an equalizer. Defensive foreign players Maidana and Maya performed steadily, improving aerial defense and interception toughness, acting as the anchors of the defense. On both ends, the foreign players' full recovery supported Ramos's tactical system.

The dense schedule over two consecutive months put Henan players under dual pressure of fitness and injuries. Especially after the April injury crisis, the team's squad depth was damaged. Many domestic players fought through injuries, played consecutive high-intensity matches, but always gritted their teeth. Captain Wang Shangyuan played almost every minute of the two months, organizing attacks, linking the front and back, and participating in defensive interceptions. Although his stamina was once depleted, he never missed a key battle, leading the team with stable performances. Zhong Yihao, Yang Yilin, Abrahan and other midfielders played as forwards when foreign players were struggling, actively pressing and giving their all, creating numerous threats. Huang Ruifeng, Ye Lijiang and other mid-generation defenders showed no fear against strong opponents, fought bravely in defense, and made up for the squad's shortcomings. Under the multiple tests of injuries, fatigue, and pressure, this group of domestic players never backed down, interpreting the resilience of Henan football with their persistence.

From scoring just one goal in five April matches and being deep in the doldrums, to a three-game winning streak and strong rebound in May, Henan team completed their self-redemption in just one month. The revival of foreign players restored the team's attacking firepower; the domestic players held on, solidifying the team's spiritual foundation. Although the 0-2 loss to Zhejiang in round 15 ended the winning streak with some regret, the fighting spirit and tenacity shown by the team are enough to give fans hope.