# Guangzhou's CSL Round 1 Victory in the CSL
Guangzhou FC kickstarted their China Super League (CSL) season with a thrilling 3-2 victory against Shandong Luneng in the opening match of Round 1. The match, held at the Tianhe Stadium, was a rollercoaster encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Guangzhou’s impressive performance not only marked their first win of the season but also set the tone for what promises to be a competitive campaign.
### A Thrilling Match from Start to Finish
The game began with both teams probing for weaknesses, but it was Guangzhou who took the initiative. A well-organized counter-attack in the 15th minute saw Zheng Zhi play a perfectly weighted through ball for the onrushing Rafa, who slotted home to give Guangzhou a 1-0 lead. Shandong responded swiftly, with Christian Bassa equalizing just nine minutes later with a clinical finish.
The first half ended with the scores tied at 1-1, but Guangzhou came out stronger in the second half. A series of attacks saw them dominate possession, and in the 57th minute, Rafa capitalized on a defensive error to restore Guangzhou’s lead. Shandong refused to back down, though, and Bassa scored again in the 74th minute to level the match at 2-2.
### Key Performances Shine Brightly
Despite being a man down in the 83rd minute after Zhang Cheng’s red card, Guangzhou refused to yield. Their resilience paid off in the 89th minute when Rafa completed his hat-trick, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory. Rafa was instrumental throughout, with his tireless work rate and clinical finishing earning him man-of-the-match honors.
Meanwhile, Guangzhou’s defensive unit, led by the experienced Zeng Cheng, stood firm under intense pressure. Their ability to absorb Shandong’s attacks and counter with precision was a testament to their mental strength and teamwork.
### A Crucial Win for Guangzhou’s Season
This victory is a much-needed boost for Guangzhou, who had struggled in pre-season friendly matches. It also highlights the importance of having experienced players like Rafa and Zheng Zhi in the squad. Their leadership and composure were key factors in overcoming Shandong’s relentless attacks.
Guangzhou now sits fifth in the CSL standings, with four points on the board. As they prepare for their next match against Henan Jianye, they will be confident of continuing their strong form. Head coach Otto Bierhoff praised the team’s spirit and resilience, stating, “This win shows the character of this team. We’ll keep working hard to achieve even better results in the coming matches.”
### Conclusion
Guangzhou’s 3-2 win over Shandong Luneng was a memorable milestone in their CSL campaign. Not only did it showcase their fighting spirit, but it also set the stage for what could be a promising season ahead. With key players in top form and a solid defensive foundation, Guangzhou is poised to make a serious push for silverware this season.