Shanghai Port stayed perfect with a 2-0 victory over Changchun Yatai on Friday.

Despite a resilient defensive display from the visitors, Feng Jing broke the deadlock in the 54th minute before Leonardo sealed the win deep into stoppage time. The victory moved Shanghai Port to six points.

Shandong Taishan stayed within striking distance of the league leaders with an emphatic 4-1 win over Dalian Yingbo. Cryzan put Shandong ahead in the 12th minute, but Fernando Karanga equalised for Dalian eight minutes later.

The visitors' hopes took a major hit when Karanga was sent off in the 26th minute, and Shandong made full use of their numerical advantage. Zeca restored Shandong's lead in the 57th minute before Guilherme Madruga and Xie Wenneng struck late to complete a convincing victory.

Shanghai Shenhua and Beijing FC played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, with both level on four points with Shandong.

Defending champions Vissel Kobe endured a frustrating week, failing to secure a win in consecutive matches.

They were first held to a 1-1 draw by Kyoto Sanga and their early season struggles then continued with a 1-0 defeat against Avispa Fukuoka, where an own goal from Mitsuki Hidaka in the 40th minute proved decisive.

Avispa were reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute when Takumi Kamijima was sent off, but Vissel failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage.

Kashiwa Reysol extended their strong start to the season with back-to-back victories. They came from behind to defeat Cerezo Osaka 2-1, with Yuki Kakita and Kosuke Kinoshita scoring in the second half to overturn Sota Kitano’s early opener.

Kashiwa then registered a 2-0 win over Urawa Reds, as Tomoya Koyamatsu struck early before Kakita sealed the victory just past the half-hour mark.

Kashiwa moved up to 10 points, with Shonan Belmmare and Sanfrecce Hiroshima level with them.

Shonan Bellmare defeated Urawa Reds 2-1 in their midweek tie, with Sho Fukuda and Akito Suzuki scoring within three minutes of each other to secure the points.

Shonan then played to a 1-1 draw with Yokohama F. Marinos, with Hisatsugu Ishii’s 55th-minute strike earning them a point after Asahi Uenaka had put Marinos in front.

In other matches, Kashima Antlers secured a 2-0 win over FC Tokyo, while Shimizu S-Pulse played to a 1-1 draw with Okayama.

League leaders Daegu FC were unable to break down a resolute Pohang Steelers side, settling for a goalless draw in a frustrating encounter. Despite dominating possession, Daegu failed to find a breakthrough, allowing their nearest challengers

to close the gap.

Daejeon Hana Citizen capitalised on Daegu’s slip, securing a late 1-0 victory over Suwon FC. Joo Min-Kyu struck in the 89th minute to earn his side a crucial three points.

Defending champions Ulsan HD also picked up a narrow win, edging Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC 1-0. Darijan Bojanic provided the decisive moment in the 66th minute, ensuring Ulsan remained within striking distance of the top.

In other matches, Gwangju FC earned a 2-1 victory over Anyang, while Jeju United and Gangwon FC played out a goalless stalemate.

Kitchee's hopes of reclaiming the FA Cup went up in smokes after Tai Po staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 3-2 victory. Fernando gave Kitchee the lead in the 14th minute before Sherzod Temirov doubled their advantage 12 minutes later.

Tai Po responded in stunning fashion as Chan Siu Kwan pulled one back with six minutes left to play in the first half. The midfielder stunned Kitchee with the equaliser in the 83rd minute to send the tie into extra time before completing his hat-trick in the 115th minute to take side through to the semi-finals.

Lee Man were also eliminated, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Hong Kong Rangers while defending champions Eastern eased into the semi-finals with a convincing 3-1 win over Kowloon City.

Hong Kong FC completed the final four cast after a 2-0 win over Southern District to set up a semi-final tie against Rangers while Tai Po take on Eastern in the other tie.