China: Beijing Guoan A Win Away From Title

Beijing Guoan are just 90 minutes away from a first ever Chinese Super League title.

The Greenlions won the old national championship back in 1984 and are desperate for success.

They moved a step closer with a 2-1 win over rivals Dalian Shide on the weekend.

With one round remaining, Beijing are level on points with Henan Jianye, who defeated Tianjin Teda, but the capital club enjoy a goal difference advantage of five.

A win at home next week against relegation-threatened Hangzhou will almost certainly be enough for the title.

Australian striker Ryan Griffiths gave Beijing the lead against Dalian after just eight minutes and with 17 minutes remaining, Huang Bowen extended the team’s advantage.

Li Kai pulled a late goal back for the hosts but Beijing took the points.

"We were lucky to have the victory because Dalian created many scoring chances but they failed to get that crucial goal," said Beijing manager Hong Yuanshuo according to PA Sport.

"We are facing a difficult match against Hangzhou Lucheng in the last round," he added.

"We must be fully prepared because it will be a tough one for us."

Hangzhou lost 3-1 at Changchun who stay in third and they could take first place in the top two lose next week.

Henan also face a relegation struggler on the final day and travel to Shenzen who are just two points above safety.

Chongqing Lifan’s relegation was confirmed as they drew 1-1 at home to Shanghai Shenhua.

Shanghai are in fifth, three points behind Shandong in fourth. Shandong, who defeated Jaingsu 2-0, need just a point next week to book their place in the 2010 Asian Champions League.

Elsewhere, Shenzhen defeated Chengdu Blades 3-0 Guangzhou drew 0-0 with Qingdao Zhongneng and a goalless draw was also the result between Changsha Ginde and Shaanxi Baorong.

1: Beijing  48  2: Henan  48  3: Changchun   47