Despite suffering a 0-1 away defeat to Jiangsu Women’s Football Team, Shaanxi Women’s Football Team arguably delivered a stronger performance in this match, with luck favoring the host side. A draw would have been a fairer reflection of the contest.
The visiting Shaanxi team showcased a well-thought-out tactical plan, notably deploying winger Wu Yuwei as a left-back—a position she had never played in any of the matches observed over the past few years. Among Shaanxi’s fastest players are Li Yuhan and Wu Yuwei. While Li Yuhan is currently in the first team, Wu Yuwei was long considered the lone speedster on the flank. Their pace differs in style, with Wu Yuwei’s brand of speed being more to my liking.
In the first half, Jiangsu concentrated most of their attacks on Shaanxi’s left flank, with Wan Weijing, Chen Yuqi, Han Xuan, and Ou Yiyao combining frequently in that area. Wu Yuwei’s pace proved crucial in defending that side. With Li Yuhan positioned ahead of her, both speedsters were on the same flank for Shaanxi. Despite Jiangsu’s territorial dominance, the two most dangerous shots of the first half came from the defensive-minded Shaanxi side. Both opportunities fell to Shaanxi’s No. 21, Yang Jing. Had the shots been taken by forward Bao Cunxin instead of midfielder Yang Jing, Jiangsu’s goal might have been breached before halftime.
Jiangsu’s strength lies in their deep squad. In the second half, they made wholesale changes across all three lines and maintained pressure, yet struggled to break down Shaanxi’s defense. In the 70th minute, Shaanxi pushed defender Shao Zijia up front to add height, and Jiangsu’s foreign coach Miguel appeared to have exhausted his tactical arsenal. By the 90th minute, the camera caught him shaking his head continuously on the sidelines.
As the match entered the 95th minute, the game was still tilted in Shaanxi’s favor, with Jiangsu showing no signs of scoring. Shaanxi substituted defender Zhao Meijia for midfielder Zhang Qian as a final move to secure a draw. However, in the dying seconds, a set-piece conceded by Shaanxi near their own penalty area proved costly. Even Jiangsu had made similar mistakes—last season, they conceded a last-minute equalizer from a corner away to Hangzhou. This time, it was a lack of experience from Shaanxi’s players and coaching staff. Prior to the free-kick, Shaanxi had possession in Jiangsu’s half; failing to hold the ball and run down the clock ultimately cost them.
Despite losing all three opening matches, it’s worth noting that two of those defeats came against title contenders Shanghai and Jiangsu. Moreover, they have only conceded three goals in total—a defensive record that would place them mid-table. This suggests Shaanxi’s tactical approach has been sound, and if they persist, avoiding relegation this season is well within reach. They are merely short of a bit of luck.
As for luck, Jiangsu’s—and particularly coach Miguel’s—has been extraordinary. In both the first and third rounds, they faced weak teams employing a 5-4-1 defensive setup and snatched victory with last-gasp goals. Such fortune borders on the miraculous. Yet Jiangsu also has its merits: a stable squad and a deep bench. Ultimately, luck must be built on the foundation of strength.
Next up, Jiangsu travels to face Beijing Women’s Football Team in what promises to be a tough battle. As for Shaanxi, they return home to take on a similarly matched Shandong side, a game they cannot afford to lose. My advice to Shaanxi: take Shandong lightly at your peril, and drill the 5-4-1 formation until it becomes second nature—it’s their survival kit this season.
