As Coach Cannavaro noted after the match, despite Henan Jianye’s managerial change, the contest remained a one-sided affair dominated by Guangzhou Evergrande. For those closely following the match through Jeetbuzz Login, it was clear that Henan’s limited squad depth could not prevent Evergrande from controlling the pace and structure of the game. However, the result also revealed areas of concern for the title contenders, especially in breaking down dense defensive lines.
Evergrande’s narrow 1-0 win was, in part, due to the opponent’s lack of threatening counterattacks. If Henan had boasted a foreign striker with elite individual skills, a single-goal lead would have been far too fragile — hardly something to rest easy on. Cannavaro’s men must still refine their tactical approach, particularly in dismantling low blocks. Although Evergrande maintained dominance in possession, the team’s attacking rhythm, transition speed, and pressing intensity in midfield all showed noticeable decline compared to recent matches.
Much of that can be attributed to the physical toll of competing on multiple fronts. Another factor could be the opponent’s passive approach, which didn’t stimulate Evergrande’s full fighting spirit. Overall, neither team delivered standout performances in attack or defense. While Evergrande’s fatigue was evident after consecutive fixtures, Henan could do little more than bunker down and rely on their two foreign strikers for isolated counterattacks. With veteran keeper Zeng Cheng gradually returning to form and the defensive unit finding better shape, Henan’s chances of scoring through counters were always slim.
Breaking down the match, the first half saw Evergrande struggle against Henan’s ironclad defense. Their attacking plays appeared stiff, lacking the sharpness and flair shown in recent wins. The wingers, once vital in stretching opposition backlines, were unusually quiet. Even a golden opportunity from a penalty — gifted by a defensive mistake — was wasted by Goulart. Thankfully, the deadlock was finally broken by a moment of brilliance: a strong run by Gudelj followed by a spectacular long-range strike from Alan.
That goal proved to be a pressure valve. Without it, Evergrande might have grown increasingly frustrated — a tempo that would have suited their opponents perfectly. In the second half, despite leading, Evergrande failed to tighten their grip on the game. As fatigue set in, their pressing eased and continuity in attacking sequences broke down. It was reminiscent of their AFC Champions League opener against Buriram, where domination of possession didn’t translate into real goal threats.
Alan, who scored again in this match, has now found the net in six consecutive games. His current form is red-hot, making him arguably Cannavaro’s most lethal weapon. Reflecting on winter training and lineup decisions, it’s clear that the coach’s faith in Alan has paid off handsomely. The coordination among Evergrande’s three foreign players continues to improve, enhancing the team’s overall competitiveness.
Still, substitutions posed a challenge. Notably, due to league regulations, Cannavaro was required to field U23 players, leading to the season debuts of Tang Shi and Deng Yubiao. While the youngsters showed spirit, they lacked the impact to shift the momentum of the match. This wasn’t the ideal scenario Cannavaro hoped for, but it was a necessary adjustment under the current rules.
As fans continue to follow team developments via Jeetbuzz Login, they’ll be watching closely to see how Evergrande balances squad rotation, tactical refinements, and player fatigue — all crucial elements for sustaining a championship run. The road ahead may be long, but with consistent performances and smarter match management, Evergrande remains a strong contender.