Much-needed win for Dalian

The eight-time champions have struggled so far this year with just two wins in their first 14 games, but had the better of the first half and took a deserved lead three minutes before the interval when Li Kai headed home Li Xuepeng's cross from the left.

Beijing had a goal disallowed when Zhou Ting was ruled offside in stoppage-time at the end of the first half and Dalian took advantage of the let-off to extend their advantage four minutes after the break as Li played a one-two with Zhu Ting before slotting home.

Yang Hao cut the deficit for the capital side four minutes later, volleying home after the Dalian defence had failed to get enough distance on a clearance, but Li restored the two-goal advantage in the 63rd minute, firing home after receiving Zhu Ting's neat pass.

Dalian boss Milolade Kosanovic replaced Li Kai with Dong Fangzhuo 10 minutes from time as the former Manchester United forward got his first run out since returning to Dalian recently.

"I fielded Dong because I wanted him to get a taste of the tempo in the Chinese league," said Kosavovic.

"He still needs 10 days or two weeks before is fully prepared for the games."

Dalian moved up to 11th in the 16-team league with 16 points, 17 behind leaders Shaanxi Baorong. Beijing remained in fourth place with 24 points.

Shanghai Shenhua are up to second on 31 points, two behind Shaanxi, after edging Guangzhou Guangyao 1-0, with Honduran midfielder Emil Martinez scoring the winner in the 34th minute.

Tianjin Teda are fifth, one point behind Beijing after a 2-1 win over Wuhan Huanghelou, while Shenzhen Kingway are still in trouble in 15th spot after being held to a goalless draw by Chengdu Blades.