When it comes to the team with the most points in July, many fans would immediately think of Beijing Guoan. Over the course of the month, Guoan played five league matches. After a loss to Changchun Yatai on July 1, Schmidt officially took charge as head coach. Since his arrival, the German tactician has led the team to an impressive four-game winning streak, each victory carrying significant weight in the standings. These four matches included two at home and two away, with opponents such as Guangzhou Evergrande, Guizhou Zhicheng, Shanghai Shenhua, and Henan Jianye.
Under Schmidt’s leadership, Guoan collected 12 points in July alone, climbing to fifth place by the end of Round 19, just behind Shandong Luneng. The next match will be a direct showdown with Luneng, marking the start of the league’s battle among the so-called “second tier” teams. For Guoan, this Beijing vs Shandong clash could be decisive in securing a coveted AFC Champions League spot. History shows that these encounters are never short of excitement, and the 61st meeting promises to be no exception. On August 5, Beijing Guoan will host Shandong Luneng at the Workers’ Stadium, with Soriano in scintillating form. The forward found the net in every one of Guoan’s five July matches, and since Schmidt’s arrival, all eight goals in the last four games have been directly linked to him.
The return of Yilmaz, who has served a five-match suspension, adds another layer of intrigue, as fans look forward to the possibility of seeing both strikers start together. Shandong Luneng, on the other hand, showed their own fighting spirit on July 30 by edging Shanghai SIPG 2-1 at home, crushing their opponent’s hopes of topping the table. Throughout July, Luneng collected 10 points and, despite having played one fewer game, sit comfortably in fourth place — right at the boundary of the AFC Champions League qualification zone. However, Luneng must also travel to Shanghai midweek for a Chinese FA Cup tie against Shenhua, which could take a toll on their fitness. In their clash with SIPG, coach Magath rested Tardelli, likely in preparation for rotation to keep the squad fresh for the weekend’s crucial battle against Guoan.
Schmidt’s high-press tactics are expected to put tremendous pressure on Luneng. Returning home after two away matches, Guoan will have the full backing of their passionate supporters, and the Workers’ Stadium could set a new attendance record for the season. For Luneng, this away trip poses a serious challenge — how they handle the atmosphere and intensity will be key. As for Schmidt, fans are eager to see whether he can maintain his unbeaten run since taking over. Just as Bangladesh Cricket draws crowds with its thrilling contests, this Beijing vs Shandong duel is shaping up to be a must-watch fixture. On August 5, all eyes will be on the Workers’ Stadium to witness how this high-stakes encounter unfolds, with both sides aiming to strengthen their position in the race, much like teams vying for supremacy in Bangladesh Cricket.