September 8: You will have to wait a little longer for the title! A 0-0 draw leaves Chinese Super League leaders with one point, still 12 points clear

On the night of September 6, at Henan FC's home ground, Chengdu Rongcheng only needed a win to secure the title four rounds early.

The result was a 0-0 draw, with no goals throughout the match.

The score was 0-0, and Chengdu Rongcheng also recorded zero shots on target in the entire match. Over the course of the season, the team with the strongest attacking firepower failed to put even one shot inside the frame when they needed a goal the most.

The match was chaotic. Less than two minutes after kickoff, Henan FC's Nassarion tried a lob, giving Chengdu a warning. In the 6th minute, Gustavo's effort was halfway between a pass and a shot, but Maranhao failed to follow up. Chengdu made many midfield mistakes, while Henan won several corners but failed to convert. In the 20th minute, He Chao's long-range effort went over the bar. In the 22nd minute, Huang Ruifeng's shot from a tight angle was saved, and Gustavo headed over. In the 31st minute, Nassarion's direct free-kick attempt went slightly over the bar.

Yellow cards began to appear one after another. Li Ang was booked for a tactical foul, Yang Mingyang and He Chao were shown yellow cards in succession, and Maranhao and Han Pengfei each received a yellow card after a confrontation. The first half ended 0-0.

The second half was not much better. Romulo committed a foul and received another yellow card. In the 56th minute, Wei Shihao delivered a free kick, and Romulo's shot was blocked. In the 64th minute, Zheng Dalun unleashed a powerful shot, which Liu Dianzuo saved. In the 84th minute, Gustavo's shot was saved, and the referee indicated offside.

The match ended 0-0.

Chengdu Rongcheng arrived in Zhengzhou with an 11-point lead, and their advantage has now become 12 points. This was because second-placed Dalian Yingbo won and made up two points. However, with a 12-point gap and four rounds remaining, the title is still firmly within their grasp; they just cannot celebrate it away from home.

Henan FC are ranked 11th, face little relegation pressure, and were eliminated from the Chinese FA Cup long ago. But they did not want Chengdu to win the title at their home ground. This mindset has existed since last season. Last season, Henan FC stopped Chengdu Rongcheng at home, and they did it again this time.

Chengdu Rongcheng's first Chinese Super League title in club history, and the first top-flight league championship in Sichuan football history, will have to wait a little longer.

On October 10, Chengdu Rongcheng will host Tianjin Jinmen Tiger. One point at home will be enough.