According to Changchun Yatai’s official social media, on July 17, Changchun Yatai and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger engaged in a grueling battle in Tianjin. Both coaches continuously deployed strong reinforcements as the match progressed, competing for one of the eight spots in the 2024 FA Cup quarterfinals. Although Changchun Yatai was ultimately defeated by a penalty kick in extra time, losing 3-4 and failing to advance to the quarterfinals, the roller-coaster process once again demonstrated the tenacity of the Yatai players, building confidence for the more challenging upcoming matches in the Chinese Super League (CSL).
Whether in the CSL or the FA Cup, matches between Changchun Yatai and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger always produce high-scoring affairs. Without delving too far back, six out of the ten encounters since 2020 have seen four or more goals scored. In the eighteenth round of the CSL on July 6, Changchun Yatai fought back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2. In this FA Cup encounter, Changchun Yatai also leveled the score after trailing and took the game to extra time.
“We played very well, it’s a pity we lost,” said Liu Yun in an interview. Head coach Xie Hui also believed that the team performed exceptionally well, not just in terms of ability but also considering they hadn’t played such a long match under such weather conditions for a long time. Every player deserved praise for their excellent performance.
Worthy of note is that Bérich scored in both games against his former club, while Dilimuti scored for Changchun Yatai after 1008 days.
On the afternoon of July 18, Changchun Yatai flew from Tianjin to Shenzhen to prepare for their final away match of the “four consecutive away games.” On July 21 at 19:35, Changchun Yatai will face Shenzhen Xin Pengcheng, who are level on points with them at 18.