1-0! Shanghai Port extends winning streak to 12 matches & unbeaten run to 18 rounds, widening gap to Shanghai Shenhua by 5 points; Wu Lei creates penalty, Oscar converts.

In the 18th round of the 2024 Chinese Super League, a key match unfolded as Shanghai Port traveled to face Henan. After 17 rounds, Port remained unbeaten with 14 wins and 3 draws, accumulating 45 points and leading the standings, holding a 2-point advantage over Shenhua behind them. Henan, with 5 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses, had 20 points and ranked 8th. Despite the significant gap in rankings, Henan had secured 2 victories in their last 6 league encounters; last season, Henan defeated Port 3-1 at their home ground.

The match commenced nearly half an hour late due to weather conditions. Rain persisted after kickoff, with significant water accumulation on the pitch making it difficult for both teams to advance with the ball; Port, with superior technical skills, needed time to adapt. In the 3rd minute, Oscar controlled the ball with his shoulder inside the box and fired a shot, which was collected by Wang Guoming.

In the 16th minute, Port delivered an over-the-top ball into Henan's penalty area; Wu Lei dashed forward and shot, but failed to keep the ball down and sent it over. At the 25th minute, Achim Peng headed from close range, Yan Junling saved it, though the referee later signaled offside. In the 44th minute, Oscar sent a lofted pass from midfield; Wu Lei burst into the box and was brought down by Wang Guoming, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Oscar then converted the spot-kick, giving Port a 1-0 lead.

At halftime, Port held a one-goal advantage. Statistics for the first half showed Port with 46% possession, 3 shots and 2 on target, while Henan had 7 shots with none on target, indicating low attacking efficiency.

After the restart, the rain intensified, worsening the pitch conditions. Both sides reduced ground passes, opting more for aerial balls to create chances. In the 49th minute, Xu Xin curled a shot from outside the box, narrowly missing. At the 52nd minute, Vargas crossed, Gustavo headed at goal, and Wang Guoming collected the ball. Subsequently, both Henan and Port made consecutive substitutions.

In the 72nd minute, Feng Jin replaced Wu Lei. At the 74th minute, Henan launched a counterattack; Achim Peng advanced on the right flank into the box but struggled to accelerate due to heavy waterlogging, and his pass was blocked by a defender clearing it out for a corner. The ensuing corner created a threat; Denić's shot at the far post hit the side netting.

In the 80th minute, Li Songyi's interception error led to Feng Jin's shot being saved by Wang Guoming. At the 88th minute, Nazario delivered a set-piece, Zhong Yihao headed at goal, and Yan Junling collected the ball. No further goals were scored; Port preserved the 1-0 victory, extending their winning streak across all competitions to 12 matches and their unbeaten league run to 18 rounds, maintaining a 5-point lead atop the standings!