September 8: Wang Yu Gains Confidence, Yang Liyu Returns to Form, Beijing Guoan Completes Transformation and Wisely Saves Energy for AFC Champions League

In a tightly contested draw, Shanghai Port's star-studded lineup with five foreign players was met with a stubborn challenge from Beijing Guoan, who had only one foreign player available. After the match, the fighting spirit and confidence shown within Guoan drew more attention to the team. Few expected that the Beijing side, criticized early in the season as lacking toughness, could now show the ability to overcome difficult challenges in major matches. Even against a strong opponent fielding its full lineup, they relied on resilience to secure a valuable point.

At Shanghai Stadium, the humid night breeze swept across the ground, while the deafening support from Shanghai Port fans in the stands made even the seats on Guoan's bench seem to shake. Coach Montgomery gripped his tactics board tightly, his knuckles turning pale from the force. The opponent was fully equipped with five foreign players, while Guoan had limited foreign-player options and even kept key player Abreu on the bench. This was clearly a deliberate decision by the team to save most of their energy for the more important AFC Champions League match ten days later.

However, the result of the match was unexpected. Although Shanghai Port launched wave after wave of attacks and recorded 21 shots in the game, they ultimately failed to break through Guoan's goal.

Goalkeeper Hou Sen stood like an imposing barrier on the goal line. His eyes followed only the balls flying around him, and with sharp reactions and agile movements, he repeatedly denied close-range attempts from the opponent. His soaked jersey seemed capable of being wrung out, and every landing after a save left visible marks from his knees rubbing against the grass. Even so, he continued to get back up, turn around, and loudly instruct the defenders behind him to cover positions. He held only one belief: after producing such a performance away from home, even while at a disadvantage in numbers, they could not allow the opponent to succeed.

The most eye-catching development was Wang Yu's emergence. Early in the season, the player who joined from Changchun Yatai was labeled a disappointing signing due to poor performances and even struggled to secure a place on the bench. In this match, however, he started as a defensive midfielder and covered nearly 12,000 meters. His midfield interceptions were relentless; whenever Shanghai Port players received the ball, he quickly closed them down and used accurate, aggressive tackles to build a solid defensive barrier in front of the penalty area. In the 76th minute, his leg muscles cramped, and medical staff applied spray to relieve the pain. He simply gritted his teeth and waved them away. Even in the final stages, he limped forward to join attacks, and when he left the field, he still turned back to encourage his teammates. In the post-match interview, he smiled shyly and said he was grateful whether for criticism or insults. This simple-minded player is becoming more confident as matches progress, and he can now almost shoulder half of Chi Zhongguo's role. With further defensive development under head coach Kongte, becoming a regular midfield rotation starter appears likely.

Yang Liyu has also experienced a revival. Before this, his poor form had nearly caused fans to forget his passing and scoring abilities. In this match, he was introduced at a crucial moment, and in the 68th minute, he delivered a cross like a 'bending blade' that accurately curved around defenders and reached Serginho. Although the delivery lacked some power and did not directly secure victory, the assist proved that his quality remains. As he ran, his hair was blown against his face, and every sprint seemed to release all the energy he had accumulated before, showing little resemblance to his sluggish appearance at the start of the season.

This point was hard-earned, and its value goes far beyond the number on the standings. More importantly, it represents a complete change in Beijing Guoan's mentality. In the past, facing Shanghai Port away with five foreign players while having only one foreign player available might have led to a collapse. But today's Guoan fought as one, ran tirelessly, and covered spaces with precision. Even under pressure, they showed no panic and remained threatening in attack. Through Montgomery's coaching, the team's character has become tougher, and its mentality appears to have undergone a complete transformation.

Some may believe that in the league race for a top-two finish, Guoan currently trails Dalian Yingbo by two points and no longer controls its own destiny. But for this team, the current points total may no longer be the most important consideration.

In the Chinese FA Cup journey, Guoan has already overcome opponents one by one and reached the semifinals, even defeating a strong team from the China League Two. The next targets are clearly the FA Cup title and success in the AFC Champions League. Abreu's injury was not serious, and Montgomery's decision not to use him was based on long-term planning, avoiding unnecessary consumption of a key player in a league match and protecting him for the more important AFC Champions League task. Such squad management was both smart and convincing.

Ten days later, on September 15, the first round of the AFC Champions League Elite competition will arrive as scheduled, with Beijing Guoan hosting Pohang Steelers. Although Zhang Yuning will be unavailable due to participation in the Asian Games, this does not affect the team's strong squad. Dudziak and Shadrach, the two foreign players registered specifically for the AFC Champions League, have returned successfully. Along with the existing foreign players, Guoan could theoretically have seven foreign players on the field at the same time, with suitable positional arrangements and no overlap: Abreu and Shadrach can form a forward partnership, while Dudziak can play as a defensive midfielder or full-back, giving the team a comprehensive boost.

Today's Beijing Guoan is no longer the team that once shrank back when facing strong opponents. They know how to conserve energy in the league, hold their ground in tough battles, fight when necessary, and make decisive choices when needed. They are saving their strongest fitness and motivation for challenges on the Asian stage. With this hidden determination alone, Beijing Guoan should not be underestimated in this year's AFC Champions League.

In the AFC Champions League opener, with Pohang Steelers visiting Beijing Guoan, do you think this strengthened team with its new signings fully available can achieve a winning start? Share your thoughts in the comments.