The Chinese Super League (CSL) is one of the most popular and prestigious football leagues in China, with teams from both Shandong and Shanghai competing against each other to win the championship.
The two sides have been battling it out for years, with Shandong consistently emerging as the stronger team in the league. However, the recent season has seen Shanghai struggle to maintain their dominance, and they may be facing some tough competition this year.
In the first round of the playoffs, Shandong defeated Guangzhou Evergrande 2-1 on aggregate to advance to the final. In the semi-final, they faced Shanghai SIPG, who had already secured their place in the finals by defeating Guangzhou Evergrande 5-0. Despite the heavy pressure, Shandong managed to score a late winner in the extra time, securing the victory and advancing to the final.
However, Shanghai's performance was not without its challenges. They were unable to recover from the early exit in the previous round, and they struggled to find consistency in their performances throughout the season. This could mean that they will face tougher opponents this year, including Jiangsu Suning and Beijing Guoan.
Overall, the CSL is a highly competitive league, with both teams having a strong chance of winning the championship. Both teams have shown great potential and determination in recent seasons, and we can expect them to compete hard this year.