Dalian Wins Chinese Title as Chengdu Collapse Ends Dream

What's happened

Dalian Yingbo has clinched the Chinese Super League title after defeating Tianjin Jinmen Tigers 3-1, while Chengdu Rongcheng falters, losing 3-2 to Shandong Taishan and finishing level on points but losing on head-to-head. The season ends with unexpected drama and a historic plunge from a long-time leader.

What's behind the headline?

Why this matters

Chengdu Rongcheng’s late collapse is one of the most dramatic in Chinese football history, complicating Aloisi’s tenure and inviting scrutiny of team management and sporting strategy.
Dalian Yingbo’s title win is built on finishing the season strongly, including decisive performances at home, and it underscores the league’s emphasis on head-to-head records.
The season’s end reflects broader pressures in Chinese football, including structural changes and the ongoing fight against corruption, which influences how clubs plan for upcoming campaigns.

What to watch next

How Chengdu responds to the setback in the off-season and whether changes are made in coaching or squad depth.
Dalian’s ability to sustain competitiveness in a league that has yet to fully stabilize after sanctions.
Transfer market moves that could reshape the top tier ahead of 2027.

How we got here

The season began with several sanctions in January as part of a wide crackdown on match-fixing and corruption. Chengdu Rongcheng led the standings for much of the campaign but faltered at the finish, failing to secure even a point in the final four matches.

Our analysis

BBC Business and AP News covered the final day, noting the head-to-head tiebreak and the dramatic late collapse by Chengdu Rongcheng. South China Morning Post provided historical context on similar collapses in football history.

Go deeper

Could Chengdu rebound next season, or will leadership changes follow?
Will Dalian sustain this level of performance, or will it face new challenges?
What lessons do other Chinese clubs draw from this title race ending?