Media Figure: Controlling the Flanks and Dominating Central Defensive Duels Key to Port’s Victory

The fourth Shanghai Derby of the year saw Shanghai Port exact a 3-2 revenge over Shanghai Shenhua at home, marking their first victory against Shenhua this year and their third-ever entry into the FA Cup final. Post-match, media figure Mickey Rabbit-Liu Shisi analyzed and commented on the game.

He wrote on social media that when Shanghai Port is well-rested, Shenhua’s ground-based advances struggle, leading them to frequently launch long balls forward, capitalizing on the physical attributes of Luis and Malele to attack Port’s backline. Fortunately, Wei Zhen and Jiang Guangtai performed excellently, helping the team withstand Shenhua’s pressure in the first half. Even without Gustavo, Port’s overall progression and ball control are much stronger, with more imaginative passing, forcing Shenhua to use more non-technical tactics to disrupt Port’s playmaking and key passes into central areas.

Several times, Port players went down in off-the-ball challenges, even when in near-one-on-one situations or entering the box, which were ignored. Additionally, after fouls by Shenhua, no second yellow cards or red cards were issued, becoming a turning point that led to an equalizing goal. Fortunately, Bargos was in top form, using his individual skills to elevate Port’s positional play quality, driving the flanks forward and scoring early in the second half to regain the lead. With rising morale, Port’s high pressing exposed Shenhua’s technical weaknesses in defense, eventually earning a penalty kick to secure the win. Finally, Fu Huan’s entry ensured Port could control the flanks and not be disadvantaged in central defensive duels, making the match’s outcome clear. The second conceded goal was due to Mourinho’s offensive mindset, maintaining pressure at 3-1, leaving the full-backs overly advanced and vulnerable to Shenhua’s counterattacks.

Additionally, he added, “This victory came down to several crucial factors, primarily not substituting Bargos and using Li Shuai and Fu Huan as the wing-back duo for the final push, effectively nullifying Shenhua’s chances until Wei Zhen’s injury. Wei Zhen’s defense was pivotal, completely shutting down Malele in one-on-one situations in the first half and blocking a crucial shot from Luis. However, Wei Zhen’s reactions were somewhat slow, needing more decisive action as his stamina waned. Notably, this match was played without Gustavo, a significant tactical loss for Port, making this performance all the more impressive. Technically and tactically superior to Shenhua, they won through sheer skill despite challenging conditions, restoring the expected standard of Shanghai football.”