In a pulsating encounter at the heart of the Chinese Football Association Member Association Champions League, Liaoning Shengjing Xinrui and Dalian Juxing Shengheng played out a dramatic 2-2 draw on the evening of 24 August 2026. The match, which kicked off at 19:30, delivered everything a cross-region derby should: early momentum swings, two separate lead changes, and a finish that left both sets of fans with mixed emotions.

Match overview

Shengjing Xinrui looked to assert home control from the first whistle, pressing high and forcing Dalian into hurried clearances. Their reward came midway through the first half when a well-worked move down the right flank ended with a composed finish past the Dalian goalkeeper. The home side carried that advantage into the interval and appeared to be in full command.

Dalian Juxing Shengheng, however, emerged for the second half with renewed purpose. Within minutes of the restart, a swift counter-attack caught the Liaoning defence flat-footed, and the visitors levelled the contest. The momentum shifted completely as Dalian began to dominate midfield, and they soon took the lead, converting a well-struck set-piece after a sustained period of pressure.

Key moments

• First half – Liaoning strike: Shengjing Xinrui broke the deadlock after 24 minutes, capitalizing on a loose ball in the box after a persistent build-up.
• Second half – Dalian response: The visitors equalized just 10 minutes after the restart, turning defensive solidity into a sharp attacking transition.
• Late drama: Dalian thought they had won it with a 68th-minute goal, but a stoppage-time equalizer from the home side salvaged a point and sparked wild celebrations in the stands.

Tactical story

Shengjing Xinrui set up in a compact 4-2-3-1 shape, looking to control possession in central areas and release their wide players in transition. For long stretches, that plan worked – their full-backs supported attacks effectively, and the midfield duo shielded the back line well. Yet, as the game wore on, they dropped deeper and allowed Dalian to dictate the tempo.

Dalian Juxing Shengheng adjusted superbly after the interval, switching to a more direct approach that bypassed the home side's press. Their second-half intensity was the defining tactical shift, and they looked more likely winners until a lapse in concentration in added time undid their advantage.

Standout performers

The home side's attacking midfielder was the most influential player on the pitch, constantly finding pockets of space between the lines and delivering the cross that led to the opening goal. For Dalian, their left winger caused chaos every time he received the ball in the final third, winning the free-kick that produced their go-ahead goal.

Season and table impact

The draw keeps both sides firmly in the hunt for a strong finish in the current Champions League campaign. For Liaoning Shengjing Xinrui, the late equalizer could prove crucial in their push for the upper reaches of the table, preserving their unbeaten home record in the process. Dalian Juxing Shengheng, meanwhile, will rue the two points dropped but take considerable encouragement from a dominant second-half display that showed their capability to compete with any side in the competition.

With the group stage taking shape, results like this underline how competitive the Member Association Champions League has become – a night of ebb and flow that showcased both the region's footballing pride and its growing depth of talent.