3-1! Shandong Taishan Find Confidence in Friendly, Liu Binbin & Duan Liuyu Score, Delgado Impresses as Starter

As preseason preparations enter the final stage, Shandong Taishan faced China League One side Ningbo on February 24 in a friendly, securing a 3-1 victory and building confidence ahead of the new Chinese Super League season. This match was the most complete of their three preseason friendlies, with the starting lineup mostly composed of last season’s main players. New signing Alvarado did not feature to avoid injury.

From the first whistle, Taishan dominated possession and exhibited fluid attacking combinations. Xie Weneng had an early shot on goal, and Kresan’s free kick from the edge of the box nearly opened the scoring. The team’s signature inverted triangle passing played a key role—Kresan dropped back as the attacking midfielder to orchestrate play, assisting Zeca for a goal that was unfortunately ruled offside. Nevertheless, their attacking coordination set the tone, and the team found the net twice in the first half.

In the second half, the starters remained on the pitch. After gaining a two-goal lead, the defense slightly relaxed, with Gao Zhunyi almost scoring an own goal from a back pass. Coach Han Peng then rotated heavily, introducing Zheng Zheng, Zhao Jianfei, Li Xiaoheng, Yi Mulan, and Duan Liuyu, forming an all-Chinese lineup that still impressed offensively. Liu Binbin opened the scoring for the substitutes, and Duan Liuyu capped it with a world-class strike, sealing a 3-1 win.

With the CSL season approaching, Taishan’s main squad remains injury-free and fully fit. The foreign trio is in excellent form, and returning loanee Duan Liuyu is contributing goals. Multi-pronged attacks and a strong, complete squad provide optimism. Liu Binbin, previously surrounded by transfer rumors, could play a key role as an impact substitute. The upcoming friendlies against Qingdao Hainiu and Shanghai Shenhua will offer a more competitive test of the team’s readiness.