Chinese Super League down to wire in 'fierce battle'

The Chinese Super League (CSL) is in the throes of the most closely contested title race in its history with just three points separating the top four as they approach the home straight.

Beijing Guoan and Shanghai SIPG share the top spot on equal points with the two sides meeting at the end of September in what is shaping up to be a championship six-pointer.

With a third of the season left, Shandong Luneng are a point behind and Fabio Cannavaro's reigning champions Guangzhou Evergrande three points off the summit in what Chinese media are terming "a fierce battle" to the finish in November.

SIPG coach Vitor Pereira will feel that his side, boasting the expensive Brazilian duo Hulk and Oscar, are in slightly the better position because they have played a game less than Guoan and Luneng.

And in Wu Lei, Pereira has the CSL top-scorer, the Chinese international plundering 18 goals in 18 matches this season.

Wu was at it again on Saturday, scoring twice in a 3-2 away win at a Chongqing Lifan team who have picked up since Jordi Cruyff took over as coach earlier this month.

The CSL took a two-month break for the June-July World Cup, leaving teams with a punishing schedule to make up for lost time.

"The team was a bit tired because we've played three matches in a row in one week," the 26-year-old Wu said after scoring a 90th-minute winner at Chongqing, who are fighting for their lives at the other end of the table.

"It was a very important victory... at a time when we are battling for the championship and facing this kind of opponent (facing relegation), you have to get the three points."
- 'Big Four' -
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