Reporter Chen Yong reports. Before this round, Qingdao Sea Cows had suffered four consecutive losses in the league, with only a single-digit score of 8 points. In the 18th round of the Chinese Super League, with midfield core Saric sidelined due to injury, Qingdao Sea Cows played against the higher-ranked Tianjin Tigers. The players fought hard and won 2-0, gaining critical 3 points, stopping the losing streak, and bringing their total to 11 points, thus seeing a glimmer of hope for survival.

Midfield core injured, foreign striker scores.

During the second transfer window, Qingdao Sea Cows made several adjustments to their roster. In addition to the newly signed foreign striker Rankel Ze, they also brought in players Sun Zhengao, Zhang Chi, and Mai Wulang to strengthen the central defender, right-back, and forward positions, respectively.

However, before the match against Tianjin Tigers, Qingdao Sea Cows faced injuries. In the FA Cup match, Saric was substituted after just 16 minutes due to injury, and Sun Zhengao left the game in the 61st minute due to injury as well. In the pre-match press conference for this round of the Super League, Li Xiaopeng revealed that Saric and Sun Zhengao would be sidelined for 4 weeks and 2 weeks, respectively. For Qingdao Sea Cows, who are already in a difficult situation, these sudden injuries were a significant blow.

In the match on the evening of the 27th, Qingdao Sea Cows fielded four foreign players, with Augusto returning to the starting lineup after missing the previous two matches. The starting lineup for Qingdao Sea Cows was: goalkeeper Han Rongze, three central defenders Liu Junshuai, Liu Jiashen, and Nikola, two wing-backs being the young Wei Suowei and Jin Yonghao, double defensive midfielders Augusto and Lin Chuangyi, two wingers Silva and Mai Wulang, and the striker being the newly signed foreign center Rankel Ze.

Qingdao Sea Cows started the match well: in the 16th minute, Silva made a rapid breakthrough down the left flank and passed to the onrushing Augusto, who delivered an accurate cross from the left. Rankel Ze scored into an empty net, giving Qingdao Sea Cows a 1-0 lead. After the goal, smoke filled the stands, creating a great atmosphere.

Han Rongze's key saves help the team secure 3 points.

The second half was thrilling: in the 76th minute, Tianjin Tigers made a significant error, and Silva, facing the goalkeeper, shot over the bar, causing Qingdao Sea Cows to miss a golden opportunity. Five minutes later, the referee awarded a penalty for a foul by Qingdao Sea Cows in the box. Ademir stood at the penalty spot, but Han Rongze stepped up and saved Ademir's penalty, helping Qingdao Sea Cows maintain their 1-0 lead. "The belief of the whole team gave me confidence," said Han Rongze after saving the penalty.

In the 95th minute, Rankel Ze made a forceful breakthrough in midfield, showcasing significant power, but the outcome was comical: after dribbling past the goalkeeper, Rankel Ze fell, and the referee immediately issued a yellow card, resulting in a second yellow and a red card for him. Slow motion showed that the goalkeeper's save might have touched Rankel Ze's foot, but the footage was unclear, and the previous penalty decision was also not clearly shown on the broadcast.

In the end, Qingdao Sea Cows emerged victorious. In the 99th minute, Silva scored again to seal the win, and Qingdao Sea Cows defeated Tianjin Tigers 2-0, ending their losing streak. Their points finally reached double digits, standing at 11 points, placing them 15th in the Super League, 3 points ahead of bottom-placed Changchun Yatai and 2 points behind 14th-placed Meizhou Hakka.

Unlike last season when seven or eight teams were battling in the relegation zone, this season, the relegation battle mainly involves three teams: Meizhou Hakka, Qingdao Sea Cows, and Changchun Yatai. After this round, Qingdao Sea Cows have narrowed the points gap with the teams above them, and the hope for survival has emerged.

However, Qingdao Sea Cows still face many difficulties, particularly with foreign players: Saric will be sidelined for four weeks, and his return may not be until mid-September. Even if everything goes smoothly, he will miss the next three matches. Additionally, foreign striker Rankel Ze, who has just demonstrated his powerful impact, will miss the next match due to receiving two yellow cards in this round.

In the upcoming rounds, Qingdao Sea Cows' schedule includes: an away match against Dalian Yinfeng, a home match against Yunnan Yukun, an away match against Chengdu Rongcheng, and a home match against Shanghai Shenhua, making it challenging to earn points. In the final rounds, Qingdao Sea Cows will also face Meizhou Hakka and Changchun Yatai, both away games, presenting significant challenges in the crucial relegation battles.