广州恒大中超四连冠

The Chinese Super League came to the final round on Sunday. Guangzhou Evergrande only needed a point to seal their fourth straight league title at Shandong Luneng.

Marcello Lippi's team came into the match with a three-point edge over second-placed Beijing Guoan.

Shandong went ahead in the 12th minute. Liu Binbin was sent clear and got free past the defense. The Luneng forward struck into the back of the Guangzhou goal. It was 1-0. Shandong looked to carry momentum into the CFA Cup final against Jiangsu Sainty next weekend. The winner will qualify for the AFC Champions League for next season.

But just before halftime, Guangzhou's title hopes get back on track. Elkeson equalized from long range to make it 1-1 heading into the break. The Brazilian scored his 28th goal of the season, extending the record of most goals in a season.

The final whistle blew with the score at 1-1, meaning Evergrande clinched the 2014 Chinese Super League title. Evergrande has now won four straight CSL championships. Lippi announced after the match he will leave his post as coach of Evergrande. His successor could be his compatriot Fabio Cannavaro.

Guoan ties Henan to clinch 2nd place

Beijing Guoan hosted Henan Jianye, having sealed second spot and qualified for the Champions League next season. Both sides failed to score with the match ending up in a goalless draw.

Henan escaped with one point from the Worker's Stadium and managed to avoid relegation . Beijing failed to take the league title from Evergrande. Some of the fans cried after seeing their club miss out on the championship trophy. They stayed in the stadium to show their support to the team, long after the match finished.

Guangzhou defended the league title with 70 points. Beijing finished in second place with 67 points. Guangzhou R&F finished third and qualify for the AFC Champions League next season.

At the bottom half of the table, Henan avoided relegation after escaping with one point from Beijing. Dalian Aerbin and Harbin Yiteng will drop down to the second division. It is the first time that Dalian to be relegated from the top flight.