# CSL Relegation: Guangzhou Evergrande Secures First Point After Long Struggle
Guangzhou Evergrande finally ended their lengthy winless streak in the Chinese Super League (CSL) with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Shandong Luneng on Saturday. The match, which took place at the Tianhe Sports Center, was a much-needed boost for the struggling defending champions.
Evergrande had been enduring a forgettable season, with fans and even head coach Jean-Pierre Reyes expressing concerns about their performances. The team had failed to win any of their previous four matches, and the pressure was mounting. However, against Shandong Luneng, they showed flashes of their former glory, particularly in the second half when they turned up the heat.
The game was goalless until the 61st minute when Shandong Luneng’s Yang Fan broke the deadlock with a powerful header. Evergrande responded swiftly, with their persistence paying off in the 67th minute when a combination of individual efforts culminated in a goal. Although the goal was initially credited to an own goal after a mix-up in the Shandong Luneng defense, the point was still a vital one for Evergrande.
The draw was their first since a 1-1 stalemate against Henanieren in late March, and it came at a time when confidence was at rock bottom. For a team that once dominated the CSL, securing a point was a small but significant victory. It also provided a much-needed boost in their relegation battle, with the season now hanging in the balance.
Evergrande still has a long way to go if they are to avoid dropping into the second tier, but the result against Shandong Luneng will serve as a catalyst for their campaign. The team’s recent performance against Shanghai SIPG, where they secured a 2-2 draw, also shows that they have the ability to compete at the highest level.
As the CSL season continues, Evergrande will need to build on this result and work on their consistency if they are to turn their fortunes around. For now, though, the first point in over a month is a sign that the club’s struggles are not insurmountable.
The CSL remains one of the most competitive leagues in Asia, and Evergrande’s battle to stay at the top adds to the drama. Whether they can overcome their relegation fears will be the talking point of the season.