Stop Arguing! This Season’s Title Is Destined for Chengdu Rongcheng — Not Shanghai Port or Shenhua

The 27th round of the Chinese Super League has nearly concluded, and with Beijing Guoan’s shocking defeat to Shenzhen Pengcheng, the title race has narrowed to just three contenders — Shanghai Port, Chengdu Rongcheng, and Shanghai Shenhua. The three teams are separated by only three points, meaning the title is still mathematically open. However, looking at the final three rounds, Shanghai’s two giants may soon run out of steam, leaving Chengdu Rongcheng as the most likely champions this season.

Currently topping the standings with 60 points, Shanghai Port should be the frontrunner on paper. Yet after their narrow 4-3 victory over Qingdao Hainiu, head coach Kevin Muscat’s post-match demeanor — coupled with multiple reports from football insiders — suggests he may not even stay to finish the season. With uncertainty looming over who will lead the team in the final matches, Shanghai Port faces a tough road ahead. Their last three opponents — Shandong Taishan, Zhejiang, and Dalian Yingbo — pose significant challenges. Judging from their recent shaky performance, it would be no surprise if Port drop points against Taishan and Zhejiang. A realistic prediction would see them collecting no more than five points from the remaining fixtures.

Shanghai Shenhua, meanwhile, scraped through an 11-on-9 away win over Qingdao West Coast — a result heavily influenced by refereeing decisions. Manager Leonid Slutsky has come under fire from both fans and media for his tactical approach. In the final stretch, Shenhua will face Dalian Yingbo, Shenzhen Pengcheng, and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger. Notably, Shenzhen Pengcheng has proven to be Shenhua’s “bogey team.” Over their last three meetings across two seasons, Shenhua have managed just one win, one draw, and one loss — hardly dominant. In fact, it was Shenzhen who crushed Shenhua’s title hopes last season, and they could very well play spoiler again this year. The away trip to Tianjin also poses a serious test, making Shenhua’s championship dream a difficult one.

In contrast, Chengdu Rongcheng’s remaining schedule looks far more favorable. Their last three opponents are Qingdao West Coast, Henan, and Shenzhen Pengcheng. Aside from Henan — a side capable of posing some resistance — the other two are unlikely to stop Rongcheng’s momentum. As long as Chengdu avoid defeat against Henan, they have an excellent chance of overtaking their rivals and seizing the title. After a well-timed league break, Rongcheng’s key players have regained fitness and sharpness. With a balanced focus between the AFC Champions League and domestic competition, the club is well-positioned to complete a remarkable late-season surge — and the 2025 Chinese Super League trophy may soon find its home in Chengdu.