Reigning China top flight champions Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao FC redeemed themselves from their opening day loss to Chongqing Lifan FC as they ripped the visitors, 4-1, in the two clubs' second meeting of the 2016 Chinese Super League season at the Tianhe Stadium last Sunday.

Chongqing pulled off a huge upset over the five-straight defending champions during this term's CSL opener at the Chongqing Olympic Sports Center with a 2-1 victory in March. Manager Chang Woe-ryong's Brazilian forward Fernandinho scored a brace then while Guangzhou's only goal was scored by Colombian striker Jackson Martinez, who is still currently sidelined because of injury.

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This time, even without the former Atletico Madrid goalscorer Martinez, head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's boys managed to showcase their real offensive might as attacking midfielder Ricardo Goulart led them with a brace while also keeping his countryman Fernandinho scoreless throughout the match, via Soccerway.

Another Brazilian, winger Alan Carvalho, netted the opening goal of the contest at the fifth minutes from a brilliant cross by local midfielder Liu Jian.

Chongqing's Argentine striker Emanuel Gigliotti was able to equalize the match at the 33rd as he redirected Brazilian forward Jael Ferreira's shot past the outstretched arms of Guangzhou keeper Zeng Cheng.

However, Goulart scored his first of two goals right at the stroke of halftime, from a pass by midfielder Huang Bowen, to bring his team back to the driver's seat once more, 2-1, as they enter the break.

A quick goal two minutes into the restart by Goulart's teammate and compatriot Paulinho made it 3-1 before the former Cruzeiro standout sealed the game with his second goal at the 76th off an assist from lead striker Gao Lin, via Sofa Score.

It was the third consecutive victory for the Southern China Tigers, who also recently defeated Bundesliga side Schalke 04, 0-0 (5-4), on penalties during a friendly match, as they continue to be on top of the league table. Second-placed team Jiangsu Suning is currently 10 points below the Tianhe residents.

TagsChina Football, Chinese Super League, Chinese Super League 2016, Chinese Super League news, Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao FC, Chongqing Lifan FC