⚽🎉 Taizhou pulled off a jaw-dropping upset at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center, edging out unbeaten Nantong in a nail-biting 4-3 penalty shootout to lift the inaugural Jiangsu Super League trophy. With a record 62,329 fans roaring in the stands, this underdog fairytale had all the feels of a blockbuster finale!
After six months of intense group stages and knockout battles, top-seeded Nantong (undefeated on paper) faced sixth-seeded Taizhou, whose Cinderella run kept everyone on their toes. From the kickoff, both teams peppered the goal with chances, but neither side could break the deadlock in regular time.
It all came down to spot kicks. Nantong’s first shooter missed, opening the door for Taizhou—fresh off two shootout wins in the knockouts—to showcase calm nerves. They slotted their first four penalties like pros, turning up the heat on their rivals.
When Nantong captain Li Xiancheng’s effort was denied by Taizhou keeper Dai Yaocheng, the stadium erupted. Not only did Taizhou secure a historic 4-3 victory, they also carved their names into local footie lore—think of it as the Rajasthan Royals of Jiangsu football! 🙌
For young fans in South and Southeast Asia, Taizhou’s journey proves that heart, grit, and a dash of drama can topple any giant. Whether you’re cheering for your local club or dreaming of glory, this is the kind of sport story that unites us all. Stay tuned for more ⚡️
Reference(s):
Taizhou win Jiangsu Super League in dramatic penalty shootout
cgtn.com
