Guoan edges past Chongqing 2-1 in CSL

SUZHOU, China -- Li Lei marked his 100th appearance in Beijing Guoan jersey with an astonishing goal, helping Guoan beat Chongqing Dangdai Lifan 2-1 in the first round of the Chinese Super League on Sunday.

Due to the travel restrictions caused by COVID-19 pandemic, Chongqing had to do without foreign players while Guoan benched Jonathan Viera, Cedric Bakambu and started naturalized Chinese player Alan Douglas to partner Zhang Yuning on the front line.

Both sides failed to produce good chances in the first half due to poor turf conditions after a heavy rainstorm. But Guoan went one player down just after 25 minutes as defender Yang Fan was sent off after an unnecessary head-butt against Liu Le.

Guoan broke the deadlock straight after the restart as Chongqing's poor clearance fell for Li to smash in a spectacular volley.

Guoan extended the lead in the 66th minute when captain Yu Dabao knocked on a corner for Piao Cheng to tap in from a close range.

Chongqing pulled one goal back in the 80th minute when Yang Shuai's header bounced off Yu's face to leave Guoan goalkeeper Guo Quanbo stranded.

Chongqing poured forward later on but Guoan held pressure to claim the opening victory of the new season.