What You Need to Know About the Chinese Super League

The Chinese Super League has undergone a groundbreaking transformation in the last 18 months. China is making a concerted effort to turn the country into a football powerhouse, and while it’s easy to be skeptical about the project, there’s also plenty of reasons to be excited. It’s now home to some of the world’s most celebrated players with many more rumored to arrive. As of yet, neither of Shanghai’s two teams have won a league title, but that could very well change this time around. SIPG and Shanghai Shenhua are behind much of the exorbitant player recruitment, so there’s never been a better time to be a football fan here.

Here’s a lowdown on both Shanghai clubs, along with what matches you should go to - and how to get tickets.

SIPG SHANGHAI

Founded: 2005

Stadium: Shanghai Stadium (capacity 56,842)

2016 League Position: 3rd

Current league position: 2nd

Manager: Andres Villas Boas

Club Profile:

No Chinese outfit has gatecrashed the Western football hegemony quite as much as SIPG recently. They’re managed by one of Europe’s youngest and brightest coaches in Andre Villas Boas, who’s worked with FC Porto, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Zenit St Petersburg before arriving here. Brazilian star Oscar is a $60 million signing, bolstering a team that already has his compatriot Hulk in their ranks along with defensive stalwart Ricardo Carvalho. SIPG finished runners up in 2015 and, of the two Shanghai clubs, seem in the best position to win the league outright in the near future.

Next game at home: vs Guizhou Zhicheng, Saturday May 6th, 7:35

Guizhou Zhicheng are newly promoted this season and currently sit 4th from bottom in the league. This one should be a routine win for SIPG, so it’s a good opportunity to see star-men Oscar and Hulk exploit a weak defense.

SHANGHAI SHENHUA

Founded: 1951 (Professional since 1993)

Stadium: Hongkou Football Stadium (capacity 33,060)

2016 League Position: 4th

Current League Position: 5th

Manager: Gus Poyet

Club Profile:

Shanghai Shenhua is one of China’s oldest and most famous clubs. Despite being in the news recently for the top of its stadium catching on fire, there’s still every reason to watch Shenhua at Hongkou stadium (as near to the pitch as possible). Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka were previous marquee signings back in 2012 but left soon after because of a contract dispute. No such problems with Carlos Tevez, whose arrival on a $600,000 per week deal has made him the highest paid athlete in the world. 

Next game at home: vs Shandong Luneng Taishan F.C, Saturday 29th April, 7:35

It’s 5th vs 4th according to the table, Shandong has a resurgent team featuring the league’s top scorer Papiss Cisse and former Southampton striker Graziona Pelle. It’s the perfect game to see what the CSL has to offer.

BEST GAMES TO SEE

20th May 7:35: Shanghai Shenhua vs Shanghai SIPG

Where: Hongkou Stadium

The Shanghai showdown between Shenhua and SIPG had its first match a mere 4 years ago,  but that’s not to say it isn’t a full blown local grudge match - no fewer than 8 red cards have been shown in 9 matches. The marquee names can forget about a comfortable stroll in the park as well; Demba Ba - another big signing from Chelsea in 2014 - suffered a horrific leg break (below…beware!) in this fixture last season. This one is not to be missed.

22nd July 19:35: Shanghai SIPG vs Guangzhou Evergrande

Where: Shanghai Stadium

Guangzhuo Evergrande are the undisputed kings of the Chinese Super League, champions in each of the last 6 seasons and currently topping this year’s table after 13 games. Managed by Brazilian World Cup winning coach ‘Big Phil’ Scolari, along with players like Jackson Martinez and Paulinho pulling the strings in attack, they’re a difficult proposition for any team. A win in this game would be priceless for SIPG as they look to put pressure on the league’s most successful side. The reverse fixture this season ended with SIPG losing 3-2. They’ll want to put that right at Shanghai Stadium.

23rd July 7:35: Shanghai Shenhua vs Beijing Guoan

Where: Hongkou Stadium

Known as the China Derby, games between these two are among the most eagerly anticipated on the calendar. Beijing Guoan have won one league title in 2009 and enjoy a slightly better record than Shenhua in their recent games. The two teams have already met in Beijing this season, with Beijing coming out 2-1 winners. The stadium atmosphere for this one will be as good as you’ll find anywhere in the league.

19th August 7:35: Shanghai Shenhua vs Guangzhuo Evergrande

Where: Hongkou Stadium

Home advantage often proves decisive in this fixture, so a win for Shenhua at this stage could have massive implications for both teams. Any club with aspirations of winning the league will surely have to beat Guangzhou at least once. If it’s the marquee names you’re looking to watch, this is a perfect game for Tevez to shine for Shenhua.

16th September, 7:35: SIPG Shanghai vs Shanghai Shenhua

Where: Shanghai Stadium

The second Shanghai derby, there’s a huge chance this fixture will go some way towards deciding the league winners, with at least one of the Shanghai teams bound to still be in contention. With only 6 league games left to play after this, it should be all up for grabs under a tense and raucous Shanghai Stadium atmosphere.

4th November, 16:00:  SIPG Shanghai vs Jiangsu Juning

Where: Shanghai Stadium

The last game of the season is likely to be the last ‘Yangtze Delta Derby’ for some time as well, with Jiangsu looking like big relegation favorites as things stand.

How to get tickets:

The stadiums are rarely packed to capacity, so it’s generally a safe bet to get tickets at the stadium before the match. If that fails, there are always people selling tickets outside the stadium as well.

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