Match 2: Zaozhuang Team 1–0 Dezhou Team – Shandong Qilu Football Super League

Match Overview

Zaozhuang Team edged out Dezhou Team 1–0 in a tense Shandong Qilu Football Super League derby on 24 May 2026. A solitary first‑half goal was enough to separate the two sides at the Zaozhuang Sports Centre, with the home side’s disciplined defensive display proving crucial.

Key Moments

• 28th minute: Zaozhuang’s right‑back Huang Yong delivered a low cross that was turned into his own net by Dezhou defender Li Jian. The goal was credited as an own goal, though controversy erupted as Dezhou players claimed a foul in the build‑up.
• 55th minute: Dezhou came closest to equalising when striker Ma Chao hit the crossbar with a looping header.
• 78th minute: Zaozhuang goalkeeper Sun Lei made a brilliant double save, first denying a close‑range shot and then smothering the rebound.
• 88th minute: Dezhou’s captain Wang Ming was sent off for a second yellow card for a late tackle, effectively ending any chance of a comeback.

Tactical Story

Zaozhuang sat deep after taking the lead, compacting the midfield and forcing Dezhou into wide crosses that were easily dealt with. Dezhou struggled to break down the organised defence, lacking creativity in the final third. The home side relied on quick counter‑attacks that often fizzled out but were sufficient to hold onto the narrow advantage.

Standout Players

• Sun Lei (Zaozhuang Team): The goalkeeper was outstanding, making several crucial saves to keep a clean sheet.
• Huang Yong (Zaozhuang Team): His overlapping runs down the right provided the assist for the only goal, and he defended diligently.
• Li Jian (Dezhou Team): An unfortunate own goal, but he otherwise had a solid game in the centre of defence.

Table Impact

The win moved Zaozhuang up to third place in the Shandong Qilu Football Super League standings, keeping them firmly in contention for the title. Dezhou, meanwhile, slipped to seventh, four points adrift of the top four. The defeat was their third in five matches, raising questions about their promotion ambitions.