A storyline of being outnumbered and scoring a last-minute equalizer, this time starring Yatai.

Special Contribution / Liu Zhun In the closing stage of the 2025 Chinese Super League, the relegation suspense has captivated fans as fiercely as the title race. When Changchun Yatai staged a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer against Qingdao Hainiu at "Nanling," the thrilling 2-2 draw not only shocked the supporters but also earned respect for the depleted Yatai squad — just a week after suffering a heartbreaking last-second equalizer at home while playing 11 versus 9, they showed relentless fighting spirit to secure a crucial lifeline for their survival despite being down to 10 men and trailing 0-2.

At 6 PM on September 27, nearly 20,000 fans flooded "Nanling," viewing the clash between Changchun Yatai and Qingdao Hainiu as more than a regular league match — it was a "relegation do-or-die battle" deciding their fates. The winner would seize control of their escape from relegation, while the loser would plunge into the abyss. This gravity was evident in Qingdao Hainiu’s investor Qiao Weiguang personally traveling to Changchun to oversee the match.

Looking at the starting lineups, Changchun Yatai was already at a disadvantage on paper without their full-strength squad. Suarez could only field two foreign players, Omoi Juanfer and Rosic; key foreign players Ciprian and Su Zu had just recovered from injury and could only serve as substitutes. Camilo remained sidelined due to injury. In contrast, Qingdao Hainiu started with four foreign players—Nikola, Silva, Augusto, and Rankel Ze—highlighting the gap in strength right from the lineups.

For home team Changchun Yatai aiming for three points, a devastating blow came in the 8th minute when Qingdao Hainiu’s forward Rankel Ze broke through alone. Yatai’s goalkeeper Wang Zhifeng rushed out to clear but accidentally fouled him, earning a straight red card from the Australian referee. In this critical moment, Suarez had to make a reactive change: substituting defensive midfielder Zhao Yingjie for the 18-year-old goalkeeper An Zhicheng. Entrusting a young academy player in such a vital relegation match showed both confidence and the team’s injury struggles. “It was his first CSL appearance and he performed very well, including saving a one-on-one chance,” said team leader Zhang Li after the game, praising the young keeper’s debut at just 18 years old.

This season, Changchun Yatai has three goalkeepers in reserve. One, Wu Yake, is out for the rest of the league due to injury; Wang Zhifeng was sent off this match and will miss the next game; the third goalkeeper, Zou Dehai, has not fully recovered from injury. The opportunity for An Zhicheng to make a name for himself arrived suddenly.

Playing with one man less soon turned into a score disadvantage. In the 15th minute, Qingdao Hainiu took the lead through a direct free-kick by Lin Chuangyi, instantly freezing the atmosphere at "Nanling." At the 72nd minute, Xiao Kun’s goal extended the lead to 2-0. Holding a two-goal advantage and a 11-vs-10 player superiority, few believed Changchun Yatai could overturn the deficit in the remaining time.

However, a week earlier, Changchun Yatai had faced a similar heartbreaking scenario — in round 25 at home against Zhejiang, leading 3-2 with 11 versus 9 players, they were equalized in the dying seconds, turning a potential 3-point gain into just 1. “We’ve often been equalized in stoppage time before, so when behind, we never thought about giving up. Our attacking belief never faded,” captain Tan Long expressed the team’s collective determination after the match.

When the referee announced 7 minutes of added time, Yatai’s fighting spirit exploded. At 90+1 minutes, Omoi Juanfer assisted in a chaotic scene, and Tan Long scored at close range to make it 1-2. This goal reignited the crowd’s passion at "Nanling" and gave Yatai hope to equalize. Four minutes later, Aifieldin pounced in the scramble to score, leveling at 2-2. The fans’ cheers echoed through the night as Yatai completed an incredible stoppage-time comeback from the brink.

This equalizer was not only a triumph of player determination but also showcased head coach Suarez’s tactical acumen. Known for guiding weaker teams to survival with rich experience, Suarez took over a struggling Yatai mid-season and did not demand big-name signings during the secondary transfer window. Instead, he adhered to a strategy of building around the existing squad while reinforcing key positions. In 14 matches under his leadership, Suarez rarely had a full-strength team but always tailored tactics to player strengths. In this match, Yatai’s two foreign players effectively contained Qingdao’s four, and if not for the early red card disrupting plans, the team might have pushed for an even better result.

“When we scored the first goal, I knew we wouldn’t lose,” said Tan Long. “Starting a man down did disrupt the coach’s plan, but securing a point at home is precious for survival. Being equalized before hurt our morale, but this comeback restored our confidence.” After the match, Suarez gathered all players around and passionately addressed them: “Look at me, everyone! We must unite! Four crucial games remain. We will adjust well and gather strength for the challenges ahead.”

Notably, in their first encounter this season, Changchun Yatai suffered a 0-3 away defeat to Qingdao Hainiu, a loss that directly led to former coach Xie Hui’s resignation. Now, under Suarez’s leadership, Yatai’s home draw from a desperate position not only served as psychological revenge but also bought vital breathing room in their fight to avoid relegation.

After this match, the 2025 Chinese Super League will enter its fourth break. Changchun Yatai will have nine days off. On October 7, the entire squad will regroup in Changchun to prepare for the October 19 away match against Henan.