Reported by staff journalist Wang Wei On the evening of July 11, in the 18th round of the CSL, Shenzhen Xinpengcheng faced the in-form Qingdao West Coast at Shenzhen Sports Stadium. The entire squad performed exceptionally well, winning 3-0 and earning their first league victory since the appointment of new manager Robbie Nielsen. Wesley played a pivotal role, recording three assists throughout the match.

Nielsen Calls on Fans to Come and Cheer

Prior to this round, Shenzhen Xinpengcheng was in a difficult adjustment period following a coaching change. After taking over, Robbie Nielsen suffered two consecutive CSL defeats, putting the team under significant pressure. Before the match, Nielsen admitted that the team had a highly prepared week, focusing on addressing shortcomings from the previous two games, thoroughly analyzing the opponent's tactical characteristics, and formulating targeted offensive and defensive strategies. This week, the team concentrated on refining technical details during possession, including optimizing attacking transitions, finishing in the box, and set-piece capabilities, aiming to seize control on the pitch. Meanwhile, Nielsen expressed strong hope for support from home fans, urging them to attend and help the team secure victory. Center-back Gabriel stated that the team continuously consolidated strengths and corrected weaknesses in training, with every player giving their all to adjust their form and prepare adequately for the strong opponent.

For Nielsen and Gabriel, the recent hot and humid weather in Shenzhen is nothing new. Nielsen spent two years living in Tampa, Florida, where he became accustomed to such conditions; Gabriel, hailing from Brazil, is similarly adapted to high temperatures and humidity.

This match also saw Shenzhen face personnel changes and injury challenges. Key player Dai Weijun will be sidelined for 5 to 6 weeks due to injury, with the club fully committed to his rehabilitation. On the positive side, foreign player Ademi completed a full week of training and is fit to start. Additionally, the team's summer transfer efforts are progressing steadily, with sporting director Daniel continuously working on roster optimization to build a more competitive squad before the transfer window closes.

Wesley Was the Key to Victory

Once the game began, Shenzhen Xinpengcheng quickly found their rhythm, displaying smooth attacking and defensive transitions with aggressive pressing. In the first half, the team maintained sustained pressure on the opponent's defense. In the 31st minute, Shenzhen broke the deadlock: Jiang Zhipeng delivered a precise cross, Wesley chested the ball down and laid it off, and Yao Junsheng unleashed a long-range rocket that nestled into the top corner, giving Shenzhen a 1-0 lead. Just before halftime, they extended their advantage. In the 43rd minute, from a corner kick, Wesley received the ball and crossed it in front of the goal; an opponent defender made a clearance error, and Yang Yiming followed up to tap the ball into the empty net.

In the second half, Shenzhen maintained their high-intensity attack without any sign of conservatism. In the 55th minute, Yao Junsheng delivered a precise free kick, Wesley headed at goal from the far post, but the shot was blocked. New signing Gabriel reacted quickly to score on the rebound, making it 3-0 and effectively sealing the victory. Ademi, Zhou Dingyang, and Ousou all created chances but failed to convert. In the 71st minute, newly signed Zhao Jianfei replaced Shen Huanming, and in the 76th minute, Zhang Yufeng came on for Yao Junsheng. Both new additions performed commendably.

In this match, Wesley contributed three assists, becoming the decisive factor in the team's victory. All five foreign players started, showcasing the squad's strong fighting capacity.

The Team Is Gradually Emerging from the Doldrums

After the game, Shenzhen Xinpengcheng head coach Nielsen stated that, more than the scoreline, he was delighted with the players' competitive form, tactical execution, and fighting spirit on the pitch. "The previous two losses were not due to poor form but brief fluctuations where we missed out on points. The team has always adhered to its tactical system, emphasizing fast attacks and penetration into the box. Tonight, we realized the results of our training and repaid the home fans' unwavering support with a brilliant performance."

Regarding the impressive set-piece and crossing tactics in this match, Nielsen revealed that the team had specifically strengthened related drills this week. By reviewing past games and refining tactical details, they improved their finishing efficiency in the box. The players' focus and execution were key to the team's dominant victory. He also praised the performances of the foreign players and new signings, emphasizing that having all five foreign players fully fit significantly boosted the team's overall strength. The new arrivals not only possess excellent on-field abilities but also demonstrate strong professionalism.

Nielsen acknowledged that the team has faced difficult moments this season, including injuries and poor results, but they never gave up. This victory was not accidental; it was the inevitable outcome of perseverance and hard work in adversity. He firmly believes the team is gradually climbing out of the trough, and an upward trend is on the horizon. Looking ahead to the upcoming three-match away stretch, Nielsen showed great confidence: "We will carry forward the fighting attitude and competitive form from this game, striving to win every match, facing away challenges head-on, and pushing for better results."