View From Gongti: Beijing Guoan 3-2 Shanghai Shenhua

Over 51,000 fans came out to Workers’ Stadium on Friday night to watch Beijing Guoan's home opener against Shanghai Shenhua in the "China derby" and they weren't disappointed. It was an electric night, one that served as a wonderful advertisement for Chinese football.

Despite Shenhua outplaying Guoan in the first half, the Beijingers were the first to get on the board with a goal from youngster Piao Cheng just before the end of the half. In the second half, Beijing doubled its tally when a Wang Xiaolong cross was headed in by Manu.

Things went downhill from there, the night's enemy Joel (Judas) Griffiths, who in the offseason left Guoan for more money in Shanghai, scored from the penalty spot after a Guoan handball in the box. Moments later, it was the hated Griffiths who set up Nicolas Anelka, making his CSL debut, for the equalizer and surely the easiest goal Anelka will score in China.

When Mao Jianqing came on for Guoan, there was a feeling that Beijing would win the match and Mao delivered. He provided an energetic performance and snatched the winner in the 82nd minute when he headed in a Xu Liang free kick. Cue massive celebrations and another great night at Gongti.

Guoan next host Australian side Brisbane Roar tonight before traveling to Hangzhou this weekend.

Read Brandon's full match report at WildEastFootball.