WUHAN, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Wuhan Three Towns downed the Tianjin Jinmen Tigers 2-1 in the eighth round of the Chinese Super League (CSL) here on Friday, marking their first win on home turf this season.
With unsettled investors, the 2022 champions Wuhan saw the departure of a number of key players this season and has been struggling at the brink of relegation. Before the game against the 6th-placed Tianjin, Wuhan has only gained one victory in seven outings.
Overwhelmed in the cheering of fans, Wuhan took the lead in the 35th minute, when Pedro Henrique slid the ball home at the goalmouth, but Tianjin tied the score in only three minutes, as Albion Ademi converted a penalty kick.
Wuhan regained the advantage in the 57th minute, when Tianjin's goalkeeper Fang Jingqi failed to fend off Deng Hanwen's volley which rebounded into the net.
"This is really a tough game. Our opponents are very strong, and we played hard. I was lucky to score today, and I'll play my best in the games to come," said Deng.
With the victory, Wuhan climbed two spots up in the standings. "The three points at home helped us regain confidence, I hope our players can adjust their mentality and better prepare for the following games," said Ricardo Rodriguez, head coach of Wuhan.
Elsewhere, Beijing Guoan edged Zhejiang 2-1, Shandong Taishan defeated the second-placed Chengdu Rongcheng 1-0, and Henan beat the Cangzhou Mighty Lions 3-2. ■
