Beijing Guoan Photo: Xinhua

As the Chinese Super League (CSL) enters its 15th round on Wednesday, three clubs - Beijing Guoan, Shanghai Shenhua, and Chengdu Rongcheng - remain locked in a fierce battle for the half-season leadership. 

Both Guoan and Shenhua sit level on 32 points, with Guoan holding a slight edge courtesy of superior goal difference, while Rongcheng trail by just two points at 30, still within striking distance if results break their way.

Historically, half-season leaders in the CSL go on to win the title - 18 of the last 21 have done so - making this moment critical for clubs' championship aspirations.

Beijing Guoan have been the in-form team this season, as they remain unbeaten with a record of 9 wins and 5 draws. 

Their resilience was on display most recently in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Changchun Yatai in Round 14 - Zhang Xizhe opened the scoring in the 18th minute, followed swiftly by Cao Yongjing's strike on the counter. 

Guoan suffered a taxing travel and fitness schedule over the weekend, which could leave the squad fatigued. Signs of this fatigue could be seen during the weekend match, as the team was drawn into a penalty shootout in the Chinese FA Cup against Dalian Yingbo.

Adding to their troubles, key injured players, including skipper Lin Liangming (who has contributed 3 goals and 2 assists in the league), winger Yang Liyu, midfielder Bai Yang, and backup goalkeeper Han ­Jiaqi, are all unavailable for the decisive stretch approaching the half-season finish. 

Shenhua entered Round 15 with momentum, having topped the table after a commanding 3-0 away win against Dalian in their Round 13 fixture. 

Goals by Joao Teixeira, Saulo Mineiro, and teenager Liu Chengyu propelled them two points clear of Rongcheng at the time. 

But in Round 14, they suffered a major shock with a 3-1 defeat at Shenzhen Peng City. Despite Andre Luis putting Shenhua ahead, the visitors were unable to contain the home side's relentless attack.

In addition to that setback, Shenhua's squad has taken a beating from injuries. 

Star striker Mineiro, the team's top scorer with 8 goals and 6 assists, suffered a serious right hamstring tear and is out for the season. 

He joins a growing casualty list that includes midfielder Xie Pengfei (out three months), Amadu, Zhu Chenjie, Jiang Shenglong, and Andre. 

In recent games, young Liu and André have been called upon to fill in, yet the offensive output has faltered and uncertainty clouds the team's tactical coherence.

Despite Shenhua's remarkable home form, their clash against mid-table Tianjin Jinmen Tiger in Round 15 looms as more than just a chance to regain footing. 

Head coach Leonid Slutsky must recalibrate his tactics, particularly in the absence of Mineiro, whose pace and finishing have been sorely missed.

In Southwest China, Rongcheng look to surge into contention through Round 15's home match against Shenzhen on Wednesday. After a dominant 3-1 FA Cup win over Shandong Taishan on June 20, Rongcheng earned a morale boosting lift. 

Although they were held to a 1-1 draw in Round 13, their earlier victory over Shenhua on May 3 vaulted them temporarily to the top of the standings.

However, inconsistency has crept into their league form. A narrow 3-2 defeat at Henan FC in Round 14 highlighted defensive fragility and costly absences. 

Center-back Timo Letschert and wing-back Hu Hetao sustained injuries, and midfielder and captain Tim Chow was suspended - contributing to Chengdu allowing three goals for the first time this season away from home.

On the bright side, their home court Phoenix Hill Stadium remains a fortress, as the atmosphere by the loyal fan base has energized the team's performances.

Moreover, their bench boasts solid depth, enabling seamless substitutions when key starters are unavailable. Yet suspension bites again: Midfielder Yang Mingyang will miss the Shenzhen match after collecting four yellow cards.

Still, victory at home - a likely scenario - would see Rongcheng reach 33 points, surpassing last season's half-season high of 29 and opening the door to clinching their first-ever half-season leadership in the CSL.

Looking forward, Guoan's home field advantage is significant. 

They have eight home matches in the second half of the season, compared to Shenhua's seven (with their final Round 30 match on away pitch), Rongcheng's seven (also ending away), as well as last season's champions Shanghai Port's six. Should Guoan secure the half-season title, the iconic Workers' Stadium will serve as an unforgettable site for celebration.

For Beijing, a first half-season title in six years could catalyze a long-awaited league triumph. For Shenhua and Rongcheng, this is their last chance on which to capitalize before the transfer window closes and the second half wears on.