Yukun secures a 4-0 home victory streak! Three goals in half an hour crush Taishan, Jordi delivers a surprise.

Written by Zuo Rui For the 23,688 spectators present, Yunnan Yukun's 4-0 defeat of Shandong Taishan was an unexpected delight, including hundreds of away team's traveling fans who also couldn't foresee such a massive margin. However, from Yukun head coach Jordi's perspective, this is the result of the team's diligent training and demonstrates that "if we can play like a true team," we can defeat a squad with exceptionally strong individual abilities.

As last season's promoted team, Yunnan Yukun's previous biggest winning margin was a 4-1 away victory over Meizhou Hakka. Creating the Chinese Super League team's historical largest score against a formidable, two-round fully victorious Shandong Taishan is also the biggest upset of this round. After this match, Yukun ranks second in points, with Ionita leading the assists chart and Oscar tied for first on the scorers list.

The most noticeable change at the start was that forward Huang Zichang, making his first start for Yukun, played as left-back, with Burke and Yang Zihao partnering as center-backs. The two center-backs who partnered Burke in the first two rounds: Yi Teng was still recovering this round, Zhang Chenliang was not on the roster, and the only available center-back substitute was Li Songyi. Jordi stated pre-match that Taishan's players, both foreign and domestic, possess very strong individual abilities, "The only way to limit opponents is through teamwork."

It began with a blitz. Within less than 2 minutes of kickoff, left-footed Ionita delivered a corner, and Cayo headed in his first Chinese Super League goal. After scoring, the Brazilian was ecstatic, first kneeling in prayer, then facing the audience with heart-shaped hand gestures.

Next came consecutive strikes. In the 28th minute, Kleber made a cross, and Oscar slid in to shoot into the far corner of the goal; 4 minutes later, Ionita delivered a precise cross with his foot, Oscar headed in his third goal of the new season, giving Yukun a three-goal lead by halftime. Thus, captain Ionita also completed his fourth assist in the first three rounds. Under the new tactical guidance and with new teammates' coordination, Ionita and Oscar's attacking talents gained greater release.

Both sides exchanged attacks in the second half. In the 82nd minute, Xie Weneng squeezed into the small penalty area to shoot; facing Yukun's Bao Yaxiong who dove out, his dangerous move kicked the opponent, resulting in a red card. Seeing Yukun firmly holding victory with little regular time left, Yunnan fans consecutively performed three rounds of crowd waves. In the 88th minute, Ionita again ignited the match climax, receiving Oscar's pass for a narrow-angle lob shot, 4-0!

After leading by 4 goals, Jordi substituted Ionita and Oscar, the two goal contributors, allowing them to receive fans' cheers and applause. The home team had already made two substitutions earlier: Hou Yongyong replaced Ye Chugui, Tang Miao replaced Deng Hanwen—Deng Hanwen, dutifully facing Taishan's attackers, expended greatly. In the 75th minute, center-back Li Songyi replaced Huang Zichang, with Yang Zihao returning to the left-back position.

Cayo, playing the full match, covered a large area but is still adapting to the Chinese Super League; unnecessary lost balls are decreasing, timely accurate passes increasing. His first CSL goal gave him more confidence, "No matter what position the coach assigns me, I'll give my all." Cayo's gradual improvement mirrors Yukun's current state. Jordi believes there's still distance to forming the tactical system, "We cannot control the match consistently from start to finish."

Objectively, the tactical transformation and pursuit of ground passing control implemented since Jordi's arrival were more fully demonstrated this round against strong opponents than in the previous two rounds. Due to greater investment in attack and possession, the defensive line faced less pressure. Striker Kleber's involvement and contribution in defense are equally important as his offensive contributions.

Huang Zichang's new role was even more impressive. Defensively, he could one-on-one disrupt opposing forwards; when the home team held possession, he not only boldly pressed forward on the flank but also provided support centrally, even carrying the ball forward, objectively helping the team increase possession. Post-match, Jordi frankly admitted training had Huang Zichang try playing as a full-back, but if personnel across positions were ample without injuries, players would still play their original roles.

Keeping a clean sheet delighted Jordi, indicating the team's defense performed excellently. Regarding the next round opponent Shanghai Port, the Spaniard currently prioritizes enjoying a brief holiday first, "After returning to the team, we'll fully prepare for the fourth round match."