September 8: Wang Yu as a Lower-Profile Chi Zhongguo, Yang Liyu Revives, Beijing Guoan Undergoes a Change in Character While Saving Energy for the AFC Champions League

With only one foreign player available, Beijing Guoan had to face an opponent featuring five strong foreign players. Playing away from home, Guoan managed to hold on for a difficult point, whose value exceeded expectations and could be described as an unexpected bonus. Looking across this season, Beijing Guoan have not collapsed in several tough matches. In the Chinese FA Cup, they successfully reached the semifinals, and even when facing lower-level opponents in succession, the Guoan players still put in tremendous effort.

With the AFC Champions League approaching, head coach Montgomery understands the team's current situation. Out of caution, he did not allow players to take risks by playing, instead choosing to preserve their strength. In this match, the entire team showed exceptional unity, relying on active running, timely covering, and veteran Hou Sen's 'superhuman' performance to keep a clean sheet, ultimately leaving Shanghai Port's 21 shots without reward.

The biggest highlight for Beijing Guoan in this match was undoubtedly Wang Yu. The player, who joined from Changchun Yatai at the start of the season, had previously appeared unable to fully integrate into the team and was even left out at one point. However, in this match, as the team's starting defensive midfielder, he displayed outstanding tackling ability and tireless running, building a strong defensive barrier in midfield. When the club signed Wang Yu, they were attracted by his fierce playing style, like a 'big shovel.' With an all-Chinese lineup, the team was generally forced into a defensive posture, and Wang Yu persisted for 80 minutes. Even after suffering cramps, he continued to grit his teeth and fight for several more minutes in the attacking area.

In an interview after the match, Wang Yu said that whether facing past doubts or current praise, he remains grateful to the fans. Wang Yu is a player who needs encouragement, and his midfield running and interception ability could perhaps be viewed as a 'lower-profile version' of Chi Zhongguo. If he can maintain consistent performances, becoming an important part of the team's midfield rotation would not be difficult. As he gains more match experience, his confidence continues to improve, and he can learn more defensive techniques from veteran Kong Te in the future. Besides Wang Yu, another previously out-of-form player, Yang Liyu, also showed clear signs of revival in this match. Called upon in a difficult situation, he displayed a more positive attitude, although his brilliant 'bending shot'-like pass in the 68th minute failed to help teammate Serginho capitalize on the chance.

The recognition and praise from fans undoubtedly gave Yang Liyu new motivation. For Beijing Guoan, the point earned in this match means far more than just a result. It marks an important transformation in the team's character, with head coach Montgomery instilling a tougher style of play. After this match, the landscape of the Chinese Super League's race for second place also quietly changed. Dalian Yingbo currently sit second with 40 points, while Beijing Guoan trail by two points. Although the initiative is no longer in their own hands, the team's strategic focus is clearly no longer centered on the league.

Winning the Chinese FA Cup and competing in the AFC Champions League are Beijing Guoan's ultimate goals this season. At the post-match press conference, Montgomery discussed foreign player Abreu and said that forcing him to play carries certain risks and could affect his later performances in the AFC Champions League. In fact, Abreu's injury is not serious and he could have played, but the decision to keep him out was mainly a wise choice to preserve his energy. At 20:15 on September 15, Beijing Guoan will host Pohang Steelers in the first round of the AFC Champions League Elite. Although Zhang Yuning will miss the match due to participation in the Asian Games, the team has two AFC Champions League designated foreign players and should not be underestimated.

To make an impact in the AFC Champions League, Beijing Guoan signed two foreign players, Dudziak and Shadrack, who have already arrived at the team and begun training. Theoretically, Guoan can field seven foreign players simultaneously in AFC Champions League matches. Moreover, these foreign players' positions do not conflict: Abreu and Shadrack can partner in attack, while Dudziak can play multiple roles including defensive midfielder and full-back. The strong coaching presence shown by Montgomery suggests that Beijing Guoan deserve high expectations in this year's AFC Champions League. The next ten days should be enough for the players to adjust and prepare for the upcoming tough battles.