Special Contributor/Liu Zhun Following a short break for recovery, Changchun Yatai resumed their campaign. On September 12, the last-placed team in the CSL, Changchun Yatai, will travel to "Phoenix Mountain" to challenge the top-ranked Chengdu Rongcheng. This is a contest between the bottom two teams. Yatai’s reputation for defeating league leaders and their recent run of two victories and one draw have heightened interest. However, Yatai still struggles with injuries, making it difficult to field a full-strength squad.

Five years ago, Changchun Yatai created a memorable moment in Chengdu: they defeated the then-named Chengdu Xingcheng 3-0 away, securing their return to the Chinese Super League. Half a decade later, circumstances have drastically changed. Chengdu Rongcheng now leads the league, aiming for their first-ever CSL title, while Changchun Yatai is mired in a relegation battle. From a narrative perspective, this five-year reunion vividly illustrates the shifting landscape of the CSL. With a 30-year history, Changchun Yatai faces a critical moment of survival; avoiding relegation has become a hot topic throughout the city.

This season, Changchun Yatai’s struggles have been dominated by injuries. At the start of the season, Yatai began a tough journey with a weakened squad facing the Shanghai giants. They lost both matches but showed great resilience, making it extremely difficult for their opponents to win. Many outside observers were optimistic about Yatai’s prospects, especially since their powerful foreign midfielder Ciprian had yet to debut. Unfortunately, Ciprian, who came from Serie A, was injured in the third round and missed half a season. Shortly after returning, he was sidelined again, clearly falling short of fans’ expectations. Additionally, players Beric and Wu Yake suffered injuries ruling them out for the rest of the league, while Li Shenyuan, Wang Yu, and Zhang Huachen have been in long-term recovery. As a result, Yatai has rarely been able to field their strongest lineup, often forced to face opponents’ five foreign players with only three of their own.

In dire straits, Changchun Yatai has shown the toughness typical of an established team. In rounds 21 and 22, they won consecutive home matches against direct relegation rivals Meizhou Hakka and Shenzhen New Pengcheng, then drew in stoppage time away against newly promoted Yunnan Yukun, earning seven points in three matches. Head coach Suarez stated, “Every remaining game is a relegation battle.” With seven matches left, every point matters for their survival in the CSL.

Heading to Chengdu, Changchun Yatai still has key players like Ciprian and Camilo in recovery, limiting their attacking strength. However, there are positive signs: new signing Peng Xinli is back from suspension and expected to boost midfield organization; Aifieldin, Xuan Zhijian, and He Yiran were not called up to the U22 national team and have been training with the squad, showing good form.

The away match against Chengdu Rongcheng marks the start of Yatai’s final seven games: three at home against Zhejiang, Qingdao Hainiu, and Beijing Guoan, and four away against Chengdu Rongcheng, Henan, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, and Qingdao West Coast. Considering timing, location, team harmony, and strength comparisons, Yatai may focus on securing maximum points in their three home matches, aiming for nine points there, while fighting hard for three to four points on the road against similarly matched teams to reach the safety threshold for relegation. This goal is challenging, but their recent points-gathering momentum shows the team has the potential to achieve it.