SUZHOU, China, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- A volley from Spanish midfielder Jonathan Viera helped Beijing Guoan make it two wins from two after beating Wuhan Zall 1-0 in the second round of the Chinese Super League (CSL) here on Saturday.
The capital outfit made a ruthless start and took the lead after just three minutes, as right-back Wang Gang burst down the flank and pulled back for Viera to slot the ball into the net.
Guoan should have extended their lead in the sixth minute as Zhang Chenglin's wayward pass sparked a counter, but Cedric Bakambu's attempt hit the upright.
The hot and muggy weather in the eastern city of Suzhou had an impact, as both sides seemed in low spirits and the game was staged at a slow pace.
"It's not easy for us to finish a game in such weather, but the most important thing was that we had a win," said Guoan midfielder Renato Augusto after the game.
Guoan dominated the first half while Zall took charge after the break, but the capital side held their nerve to take all three points.
"They are a strong opponent and better than us overall, but they still put out their best lineup. Though we lost the game, it inspired us and made us more confident," said Zall midfielder Li Hang.
In the other game in the Suzhou division, Romain Alessandrini scored a brace to help Qingdao Huanghai draw 2-2 with Shizhazhuang Ever Bright.
Striker Oscar Maritu broke the deadlock for Ever Bright with a header from Zang Yifeng's corner kick in the 35th minute. But four minutes later, French midfielder Alessandrini equalized from close range.
In the 74th minute, Zambian center-back Stoppila Sunzu rounded off a commanding performance with a header from Matheus Leite Nascimento's pinpoint corner. But Alessandrini leveled the game again in the 86th minute with a curling shot. Enditem
