View From Gongti: Beijing Guoan 1-1 Liaoning Whowin

On Friday night under the lights of Worker’s Stadium, Beijing Guoan was only able to manage a 1-1 draw against Liaoning Whowin. With rumors flying that manager Jaime Pacheco was on the chopping block, it was an emotional night, but the draw may have been enough to stay his execution for another week or two.

The first half was a fairly boring affair, only to be remembered for the assistant referee’s grievous error. Just before the half, a great play by Xu Liang turned a broken play into an opportunity, and Wang Changqing headed in Xu’s cross, though he was incorrectly ruled offside.

In the early minutes of the second half, Liaoning would have a goal denied them thanks to the assistant referee’s flag. On further inspection, this was also a mistaken decision, though one that was far harder to judge. It wouldn’t matter, as Liaoning would score moments later off a beautiful header.

Things turned desperate for the capital side, fortunately AK99, Andrija Kaluđerović, who hasn’t seen much playing time this season, stepped up. Wang Changqing played a good ball across the box and AK found himself in space on the back post and knocked it in.

The goal probably saved Pacheco’s job, at least for another week. Fans of the club will have to wait almost a month for Guoan’s next home match, they will meet Henan Construction on September 16.

Read Brandon's full match report at WildEastFootball.