Yantai Team 2-0 Dezhou Team | Shandong Qilu Football Super League | July 4, 2026

Yantai Team maintained their push for the Shandong Qilu Football Super League title with a workmanlike 2-0 win against Dezhou Team at the Yantai Sports Park on Saturday. The result moved Yantai to within two points of the league leaders, while Dezhou slipped dangerously close to the relegation places.

First goal settles home nerves

Yantai dominated possession from the start but struggled to break down a well‑organised Dezhou defence. The deadlock was finally broken in the 37^th minute when Yantai striker **Sun Hao** rose highest to meet a corner from **Zhou Peng**, directing his header past goalkeeper **Liu Bin**. Sun’s sixth goal of the season came at a crucial moment, giving Yantai a platform to build on.

Dezhou had one good chance to equalise just before half‑time, but winger **Wang Bo** fired over the bar after a swift counter‑attack. It was a warning Yantai heeded in the second half.

Yantai double the lead and control the game

The home side started the second half with renewed urgency and scored their second in the 56^minute. Right‑back **Zhang Yong** overlapped and delivered a low cross that was turned in by midfielder **Li Qiang** from six yards out. It was Li Qiang’s second goal of the campaign and effectively sealed the points.

Dezhou tried to respond with long balls towards their target man **Yang Tao**, but Yantai’s centre‑backs **Zhao Kai** and **Xu Chen** won every aerial duel. The visitors managed only one shot on target, a speculative effort from distance that was comfortably saved by Yantai goalkeeper **Sun Lei**.

Standout performer and tactical note

• Sun Hao (Yantai) – His headed opener was a classic centre‑forward’s finish. He also held up play effectively, drawing three fouls and allowing teammates to join the attack.
• Zhou Peng (Yantai) – The left‑back provided the assist for the first goal and completed four crosses during the match. His set‑piece delivery was a constant threat.
• Dezhou’s defensive shape – While solid for long stretches, the visitors tired after the hour mark and couldn’t cope with Yantai’s overlapping full‑backs.

League position update

Yantai Team climb to second place in the Shandong Qilu Football Super League with 28 points, two behind leaders Qingdao Team. Dezhou remain 13^th on 15 points, only one point above the relegation play‑off spot. For Yantai, the next fixture—a top‑of‑the‑table clash against Qingdao in two weeks—now looms as a potential title decider.