Chengdu-Chongqing Derby Ends in Draw, Chengdu Rongcheng Leads with 14 Points Showing Championship Quality

The marquee clash of Round 18 in the 2026 CSL season concluded with widespread attention. During this closely watched derby, Chengdu Rongcheng playing at home and Chongqing Tonglianglong on the road engaged in an intense 90-minute contest, resulting in a 1-1 stalemate. Although Chengdu Rongcheng suffered their second consecutive league draw and failed to extend their lead on home turf, they still dominate the standings with a massive 14-point gap, showcasing remarkable seasonal consistency and kingly composure; Chongqing Tonglianglong sits in second place.

The match was full of twists and turns, brimming with dramatic tension. In the 35th minute of the first half, Chengdu Rongcheng broke the deadlock first. Foreign striker Felipe's header was saved by the goalkeeper, but he quickly reacted and followed up with a rebound shot to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. However, the second half saw a sudden shift. In the 49th minute, Chongqing Tonglianglong created danger through a powerful long throw-in, with foreign player Dimata nodding the ball into the net from close range to level the score. Both sides then traded attacks, and Felipe's powerful strike late in the game unfortunately hit the crossbar, missing a golden opportunity to snatch a winner—a major regret of the match.

After the game, the draw sparked heated discussions among fans. For Chengdu Rongcheng, failing to secure all three points was certainly disappointing, yet many fans displayed remarkable magnanimity and warmth. Numerous supporters took to social media to express: "That rocket of a shot from Felipe hitting the crossbar was such a pity—he almost scored the winner. But then again, Sichuan and Chongqing are like one family, so a draw in this derby is actually quite nice. Both meetings this season ended in draws; no matter how intense the on-field battles, off the field we're all good buddies." This transcendence beyond victory and defeat perfectly reflects the deep-rooted culture of Chengdu-Chongqing football.

Meanwhile, the performance of Chongqing Tonglianglong's captain Xiang Yuwang also drew some playful criticism and doubts from fans. One fan bluntly remarked, "How did Xiang Yuwang become captain with that level of play?" In reality, as the team's core player, Xiang Yuwang did not start in this match but stayed on the bench, only coming on as a substitute in the second half. With the team's defensive pillar N'Gadeu suspended due to a red card and the defense line under restructuring pressure, Tonglianglong's ability to hold the league leaders to a draw on the road relied more on collective tactical execution and tenacious fighting spirit. Xiang Yuwang's value as captain lies not only in his performance in a single game but also in his role in shaping team cohesion and stepping up during critical moments.

Looking at the season's landscape, Chengdu Rongcheng and Chongqing Tonglianglong firmly occupy the top two spots on the standings, emerging as the most dazzling "Sichuan-Chongqing duo" in the CSL. This 1-1 draw, while not altering the top position, once again proved Chongqing Tonglianglong's resilience as "Rongcheng's nemesis." For Chengdu Rongcheng, a 14-point lead provides ample room to stay composed throughout the long season; for Chongqing Tonglianglong, taking a point away from the league leaders is also a commendable achievement.

As the league progresses, the smoke of the Chengdu-Chongqing derby has dissipated, but the tales of Sichuan-Chongqing football continue to unfold. Whether it's the fierce rivalry on the pitch or the mutual respect off it, this season's CSL has gained more humanity and excitement. For fans, this might be the most enchanting aspect of football!