Huge Upset in FA Cup! Shanghai Shenhua and Shandong Taishan Both Eliminated, Yunnan Yukun or Dalian Yingbo Set to Write New History

On the night of September 1, the Chinese FA Cup produced a major upset. Traditional powerhouses Shanghai Shenhua and Shandong Taishan were both eliminated on the same day, leaving many fans stunned. Shanghai Port delivered a storming performance at Jinan Olympic Sports Center, scoring twice against Taishan within just four minutes and virtually securing victory by halftime, eventually sending Taishan out with a 3-0 win. Meanwhile, Dalian Yingbo eliminated Shenhua in front of 53,178 spectators at Suoyuwan Stadium, earning a narrow 1-0 victory through Stanciu's 54th-minute penalty. With two former giants exiting at the same time, only Beijing Guoan and Shanghai Port remained familiar names among the semifinalists, while the other two places went to Chinese Super League newcomers Yunnan Yukun and Dalian Yingbo.

The impact of these matches was not limited to the results, but also reflected the competitive situation among Chinese Super League teams. On the evening of September 2, Yunnan Yukun defeated Chongqing Tonglianglong 1-0 in the 'Southwest Derby' at Yuxi Plateau Sports Center, reaching the FA Cup semifinals for the second consecutive year. The semifinal lineup was then confirmed: Beijing Guoan, Shanghai Port, Yunnan Yukun and Dalian Yingbo, all of which are CSL teams.

From a technical perspective, Guoan faced Lanzhou Longyuan Athletic, the only China League Two team among the quarterfinalists, at the new Workers' Stadium. Despite encountering some unexpected situations, they advanced smoothly with a 3-1 victory. Shanghai Port's performance was even stronger, with Yang Xi's goal and assist contribution, along with goals from Liu Zhurun and Ampehm, completely breaking down Taishan's defense. The Shenhua versus Yingbo match was highly dramatic, with players from both sides receiving red cards. Yingbo eventually secured victory through Stanciu's penalty, creating the first-ever FA Cup semifinal appearance in club history.

According to the season schedule, the semifinal matchups have been confirmed: Beijing Guoan will face Shanghai Port in the upper bracket, while Yunnan Yukun will meet Dalian Yingbo in the lower bracket. Both matches will be decided in a single game, with draws leading to extra time and penalty shootouts. The matches are scheduled for November 21 and November 22, while the final will be held on December 6 at Suzhou Olympic Sports Center.

It is worth noting that the winner of this cup competition will not only compete for a trophy, but also gain a pathway toward the AFC Champions League. According to the latest AFC regulations, the 2026 AFC Champions League Elite League will expand from 24 teams to 32 teams, with the CSL receiving two Elite League places and one second-tier competition place. Therefore, the FA Cup champion will directly secure a place in the next cycle's AFC Champions League Elite League group stage.

With Shenhua and Taishan eliminated, the result not only ended their hopes of reaching the AFC Champions League through the cup, but also forced them to refocus on the league. In contrast, Guoan, Shanghai Port, Yukun and Yingbo are not only competing for domestic cup honors, but also fighting for a ticket to Asia's top competitions. For Dalian Yingbo, although their league hopes of qualifying for the AFC Champions League are slim, the cup has become a shortcut.

Looking back at the quarterfinal battles, Lanzhou Longyuan Athletic, the only China League Two team to reach the last eight, earned respect despite defeat. Tonglianglong, representing the resilience of China League One teams, also pushed Yukun until the final moments. The simultaneous exits of Shenhua and Taishan indicate that the dominance of the two traditional giants has begun to face challenges.

This FA Cup semifinal lineup features two newly promoted teams alongside two established giants, a situation rarely seen in recent editions of the competition. Dalian Yingbo's home attendance reached 53,178, fully demonstrating the confidence of supporters in the team. Yunnan Yukun has also performed strongly at home in Yuxi Plateau, reaching the semifinals for two consecutive years, while the performances of Yonicha and Diomande have removed the label of being merely a 'newly promoted team.'

In the upcoming semifinals, the clash between Guoan and Shanghai Port will undoubtedly be the main focus. Guoan are the defending champions, while Shanghai Port have just defeated Taishan heavily in the cup, making their meeting a highly anticipated showdown. The Yukun versus Yingbo match in the lower bracket will be the first time the two teams compete for a place in the final, bringing even more uncertainty.

Overall, the outcome of this FA Cup is not merely a simple upset, but also a reflection of the development of Chinese football, highlighting the intense competition and potential of the Chinese Super League. Regardless of who ultimately wins the title, Suzhou Olympic Sports Center on December 6 will witness a new chapter in history, with a moment of glory for the champion awaiting.