Shanghai Shenhua — Chengdu Rongcheng : Match Preview and Prediction for September 21,2025

Recent Performance and Coach’s Strategy

Shanghai Shenhua’s recent AFC Champions League match against Gangwon on September 16th was a clear setback. A 1-2 defeat, especially after initially leading 1-0, highlights significant issues. Coach Leonid Slutsky openly admitted post-match that he implemented heavy rotation, giving several young players their debut, stating it was the first time this group of footballers had played together.

Prioritizing League Play Amidst Challenges

This decision wasn’t a tactical experiment but rather a harsh necessity. The coach explicitly outlined his priorities, stating, “The next league match is extremely important. We are in a difficult situation in China, dealing with travel fatigue and injuries.” This clearly indicates that the team is approaching the upcoming fixture in a less-than-optimal condition, focusing their efforts on domestic competition.

Underwhelming Statistics and Recent Form

The match statistics against the Korean side further validate the coach’s comments. With only 3 shots on goal over 90 minutes and an Expected Goals (xG) metric of just 0.28, these figures paint a picture of a team thoroughly outplayed. This isn’t an isolated incident either, as the overall trend is disheartening: Shanghai Shenhua has failed to secure a victory in 6 out of their last 7 matches.

Chengdu Rongcheng: League Leaders’ Form

Chengdu Rongcheng is not just an opponent; they are the undisputed leaders of the . Under Seo Jung-won’s guidance, the team approaches this match in a completely different state. While they did lose 1-2 to South Korean side Ulsan in the AFC Champions League, they conceded the decisive goal in the 94th minute, battling valiantly away from home until the very end.

Defensive Prowess and Away Form

This team boasts the best defense in the league, having conceded only 18 goals in 24 rounds. Chengdu feels more than confident on the road. The statistics speak for themselves: they have remained unbeaten in 13 of their last 16 away matches. This is not a matter of chance, but a consistent pattern of strong performances.

Consistent Attacking Threat Away From Home

Furthermore, Chengdu has scored in every single one of their 11 away games this season. They don’t simply sit back in defense; they consistently seek out attacking opportunities. Coach Seo Jung-won clearly stated his ambitions before the Ulsan match: “We will show that we are not an easy team.” And they certainly did, putting up a strong fight against one of Korean football’s giants.