CHANGCHUN, China — In a contest that oscillated between the spectacular and the shambolic, Zhejiang Professional (Hangzhou Greentown) clawed back a dramatic 3-3 draw against Changchun Yatai, whose inability to hold a lead at home may signal deeper defensive woes than their league position suggests. A stoppage-time equalizer from Yago Cariello capped off a breathless China Super League encounter that saw the hosts twice surrender an advantage, much to the frustration of a boisterous Changchun Sports Center crowd.

A Frenzied Opening and Yatai’s Fleeting Control

The tempo was established early, with both sides pressing high and showing little inclination to settle for a cautious approach. The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute when Lazar Rosić rose above the melee to head home the opener for Changchun, sending their fans into raptures. Yet, Zhejiang’s response was both swift and ominous.

Romanian midfielder Alexandru Mitriță leveled for Zhejiang in the 35th minute with a deft finish, exploiting a gap between Changchun’s center backs that would become a recurring theme throughout the afternoon. By halftime, the match had already provided ample drama, but the script was far from written.

The Second Act: Momentum Shifts and Missed Opportunities

The hosts reclaimed the lead early in the second half, though not through their own invention. Wang Yu inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 56th minute, pushing Changchun ahead 2-1 and momentarily restoring hope in the terraces.

But the lead lasted less than fifteen minutes. Norwegian striker Ohi Omoijuanfo, who had threatened all match, finally got his reward with an equalizer in the 69th minute, pouncing on a loose ball in the box after a scrappy sequence. Omoijuanfo was not done, and eight minutes later, he seemed to have won it for Changchun with a well-taken finish that put the home side 3-2 up in the 77th minute.

Still, Changchun’s penchant for self-destruction surfaced once more. As stoppage time ticked deep into the red, Yago Cariello latched onto a hopeful cross and bundled home from close range, sealing a 3-3 draw that felt like a win for Zhejiang and a gut punch for Yatai.

Key Performers and Tactical Fault Lines

• Ohi Omoijuanfo was the game's standout individual, netting a brace and consistently troubling Zhejiang’s backline with his movement and strength. His goals might have been enough on another day, but he was let down by lapses behind him.
• Alexandru Mitriță orchestrated much of Zhejiang’s attacking play, demonstrating composure and incisiveness when his side needed it most.
• Lazar Rosić provided Changchun’s initial spark, but the defensive unit around him looked increasingly ragged as the match wore on.

Implications: Changchun’s Leaky Defense Could Spell Trouble

For Changchun Yatai, the pattern is becoming alarmingly familiar. This result marks another game in which they failed to see out a lead at home—a trend that has haunted them in recent weeks. Their inability to manage defensive transitions, especially in the dying moments, raises urgent questions about tactical discipline and mental steel.

While their attack, buoyed by the likes of Omoijuanfo and Rosić, continues to produce, Changchun’s defensive vulnerabilities could see them drawn further into a relegation scrap if not urgently addressed. The team sits 14th, perilously close to the drop zone, and the sense of anxiety is palpable.

For Zhejiang, the draw consolidates their position in the top half of the table (6th), but the porous nature of both their own and Changchun’s defenses will give their manager pause. Still, their resilience and ability to conjure goals in high-pressure moments bode well for the season’s run-in.

A Broader Perspective: The League’s Entertainment Value and Parity

This fixture encapsulated many of the themes animating the 2025 China Super League season: attacking flair, defensive frailty, and an unpredictability that has kept fans on edge. The six-goal spectacle may delight neutrals, but for Changchun, the inability to close out matches at home is becoming a defining—and damning—feature of their campaign.

As the season enters its final third, Changchun’s defensive fragility is no longer an anomaly but a pattern that could shape their fate. Unless shored up, they may find themselves staring into the abyss of relegation, regardless of their attacking promise.

Match Details

• Changchun Yatai 3–3 Zhejiang Professional (Hangzhou Greentown)
• Goals: Rosić 27’, Wang Yu (OG) 56’, Omoijuanfo 69’, 77’ (Changchun); Mitriță 35’, Cariello 90’+9 (Zhejiang)
• Venue: Changchun Sports Center Stadium

Attendance: Spirited, if ultimately exasperated, home crowd witnessed another chapter in Changchun’s chaotic campaign.

For Yatai’s manager and supporters alike, the message is clear: goals alone won’t save a season if the back door is always left open.