The Sichuan-Tibet Derby ignited the entire stadium! Tongliang Dragons showed resilience by overcoming a 2-goal deficit to secure a 3-2 comeback, with Silva's substitution becoming the turning point.

Journalist Lu Mi reported. On the evening of March 21, the Chinese Super League's "Sichuan-Tibet Derby," after a 17-year hiatus, kicked off at Chongqing Longxing Football Stadium. The newly promoted Chongqing Tongliang Dragons hosted Chengdu Rongcheng, with 55,868 fans witnessing this thrilling match live. Despite pre-match expectations favoring Rongcheng due to perceived strength disparity, Tongliang Dragons showcased the tenacity of a newly promoted team with a roller-coaster 3-3 draw, demonstrating a comeback from two goals down. The departure of Rongcheng's foreign player Silva became the critical turning point of this match.

In this match, Tongliang Dragons continued with the lineup and five-defender system from the previous two games, focusing on defensive counterattacks as their core tactic. However, the seemingly conservative formation actually played more openly than in the prior matches. Chengdu Rongcheng, missing their key striker Felipe due to injury, deployed Wang Ziming as the forward. The game heated up immediately from the start, with no exploratory phase; Tongliang Dragons' tight pressing from the frontline made it difficult for Rongcheng, who primarily attacked via the wings, to advance smoothly. Wei Shihao's shot within 15 seconds was brilliantly saved by Yao Haoyang, and just five minutes later, Tongliang Dragons launched an efficient counterattack, with Xiang Yuwang's shot nearly breaking through Rongcheng's defense. The rapid pace of offensive and defensive transitions thrilled the entire stadium.

Although Tongliang Dragons had a clear defensive counterattack strategy and their frontline coordination improved significantly compared to the previous two matches, they still faced setbacks in the first half. In the 26th minute, Ruan Qilong committed a foul inside the penalty area, resulting in a penalty; Wei Shihao converted it, giving Rongcheng the lead. At the 40th minute, Silva unleashed an unstoppable long-range shot from the arc, extending Rongcheng's lead to 2-0. Despite playing at home and maintaining strong offensive pressure in the first half, Tongliang Dragons' frontline efficiency was slightly inferior, failing to capitalize on counterattack opportunities, and they entered halftime with a two-goal deficit. Compared to previous matches where they retreated into midfield and defense, this game saw Tongliang Dragons focusing on transitions, with their defensive line positioned near the center circle, leaving considerable space behind for Rongcheng, especially on the right flank where Ruan Qilong operated, making it difficult to retreat promptly after advancing.

Right after halftime began, Tongliang Dragons' head coach Liu Jianye made adjustments, substituting Wei Suowei for Ruan Qilong to address the flank weakness, while the team maintained high-intensity pressing. The substitution by Rongcheng in the 65th minute became the match's turning point: Silva was replaced by Liao Rongxiang. Without their key frontline player, Rongcheng instantly lost their offensive spark, unable to suppress the opponent with attacks, and errors in midfield and defensive passes surged. Tongliang Dragons seized the opportunity to press forward aggressively, and the cheering atmosphere at Longxing Football Stadium grew increasingly fervent. Actually, during halftime, Liu Jianye told the players: "I emphasized that the most important thing is not to give up. A 0-2 scoreline is actually the most dangerous from my perspective. If we can score a goal within the first 15 to 20 minutes, we have a chance to turn the game around. The players firmly executed this mindset."

In the 69th minute, Xiang Yuwang's one-on-one opportunity was saved by Liu Dianzuo. Head coach Liu Jianye immediately substituted Du Yuezhen as a frontline pivot to further strengthen the attack. The adjustment quickly yielded results: in the 74th minute, Kenpanu blasted a world-class shot from the arc, the ball curling into the far corner. Tongliang Dragons pulled one back, with the 1-2 score igniting the home atmosphere and boosting the young players' momentum.

With morale soaring, Tongliang Dragons pressed on with the advantage, their counterattacks becoming increasingly sharp. In the 81st minute, the team exploited a defensive gap in Rongcheng's backline, playing behind them; Dimata calmly controlled the ball inside the penalty area and slotted it home, equalizing the score at 2-2. Just four minutes later, Dimata again completed a well-timed finish, scoring a brace, and Tongliang Dragons achieved a remarkable comeback from two goals down to lead 3-2, plunging Longxing Football Stadium into complete euphoria.

During stoppage time, Rongcheng managed a last-gasp equalizer via a corner opportunity: Romulo delivered the corner, and Baihelamu nudged the ball into the net, ultimately resulting in a 3-3 draw. Although unable to preserve the victory, the newly promoted Tongliang Dragons' performance dazzled the entire stadium. From trailing by two goals to overturning the deficit, the team, with resilient fighting spirit and efficient counterattacks, shattered preconceived notions about newly promoted teams.

Dimata, who missed numerous chances in the previous two matches and faced skepticism, undoubtedly became the key player in this game. Post-match, Liu Jianye commented: "Dimata is a highly capable player. In the prior two matches, he didn't showcase his level in shooting, possibly due to his late arrival to the team. During this period, we trained together, and communication was smooth. His performance in this match represents his normal standard."

In this match, although Tongliang Dragons are a newly promoted team, they showed no weakness playing at home. Even when trailing in the first half, they persisted with their tactical rhythm. Felipe's absence significantly impacted Rongcheng's frontline, and Silva's substitution became the pivotal moment. Tongliang Dragons accurately seized upon Rongcheng's exposed shortcomings, adjusting personnel and maintaining continuous frontline high pressure to accomplish an impressive comeback, sufficiently demonstrating the capability of the newly promoted team's leadership. After this battle, Tongliang Dragons extended their unbeaten record in the new season, while Rongcheng continued to hold the top position on the league table. After 17 years, both sides, through a soul-stirring derby, inscribed the glory of Southwest football on the field.