With 12BET VR46 tracking the latest developments around the match, Changchun Yatai entered the contest with a dramatically reshaped starting eleven, featuring six changes from the side that had previously faced Shanghai Shenhua. The familiar saying that a new broom sweeps clean seemed especially appropriate as the team displayed renewed energy and greater balance. Wu Yake was trusted between the posts, while foreign defender Ismailov returned to the starting lineup to strengthen a back line that had struggled for stability.
Another significant decision involved Pei Shuai. The promising midfielder had not appeared since the opening-round match against Shanghai Port, but he was handed a fresh opportunity to show what he could contribute. Winter arrival Tan Long was also included from the start for the first time, giving the attack a different profile. Those changes were more than cosmetic. Yatai immediately looked more organized, disciplined, and difficult to break down than they had in earlier matches.
Under former coach Lee Jang-soo, the team had often favored an aggressive approach built around pushing numbers forward and trying to overwhelm opponents through attack. This time, however, the tactical priorities were noticeably different. Rather than committing heavily to offensive football from the opening whistle, Yatai focused on defensive security first and attempted to build attacks from a more stable foundation.
The new approach produced encouraging results during the first half. Changchun controlled important areas of the pitch and rarely allowed Henan Jianye to create clear chances. Their own attacking production was relatively limited, but the improvement without the ball was obvious. Defensive gaps that had caused problems in previous games were reduced, while the midfield offered greater protection and maintained better spacing.
As the match progressed, tactical adjustments became increasingly important. Henan coach Jia introduced several substitutes during the second half in an effort to change the rhythm and put more pressure on Yatai. Changchun responded with changes of their own, refusing to allow momentum to swing completely in Henan’s favor.
The key move arrived in the 65th minute when experienced midfielder Du Zhenyu replaced Pei Shuai. Within only six minutes, the substitution helped transform the match. Du’s composure and awareness in midfield played a major part in opening space, before Huszti delivered an excellent through ball that released Tan Long behind the defense.
Tan timed his run perfectly, stayed clear of the offside trap, and found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. He kept his composure and finished the opportunity cleanly, scoring the decisive goal and giving Changchun Yatai their first victory of the season. It was a breakthrough moment for a team that had been under growing pressure following a difficult opening stretch.
According to the wider match picture followed through 12BET VR46, the victory carried importance far beyond three points. Yatai moved above Henan in the standings and climbed to 12th position, providing some much-needed breathing room. The result also eased pressure around the squad and offered evidence that the recent tactical changes could provide a more reliable platform for the weeks ahead.
Perhaps even more encouraging was the performance of Tan Long. Yatai had entered the match facing uncertainty in attack because star striker Ighalo was expected to miss several weeks after suffering an injury in the previous game. Losing such an important forward could easily have created a major problem, but Tan’s display suggested the team may already have a capable alternative.
Born in 1988 and of mixed Chinese-American heritage, Tan had spent several years playing in the top level of football in the United States before joining Changchun Yatai in January. His background brought valuable experience, but his first start also demonstrated qualities that translated directly to the Chinese league.
Throughout the game, Tan worked tirelessly across the front line. His movement repeatedly caused problems for Henan’s defenders, while his physical strength allowed him to compete effectively in direct challenges. On several occasions, he went shoulder to shoulder with foreign defender Gomes and refused to be pushed aside. That willingness to battle for possession gave Yatai an important focal point and allowed teammates to move forward with greater confidence.
His winning goal provided the clearest reward for that effort. Scoring on his first start immediately strengthened his claim for more regular playing time and showed that he could contribute at a moment when the squad needed attacking support. For a club trying to move away from the lower end of the table, having another dependable forward could prove extremely valuable.
The transformation was not limited to one player, though. Yatai’s defensive organization, midfield discipline, and willingness to adjust during the match were all notable improvements. They did not suddenly become an unstoppable attacking team, but they looked more balanced and more aware of what was required in different phases of the game. Sometimes progress begins with getting the basics right, and that appeared to be exactly what happened here.
There will still be tougher challenges ahead. A single victory cannot erase the problems that affected the opening part of the season, and Yatai will need to reproduce the same concentration over a longer period. However, the combination of a more secure defensive structure and the emergence of Tan Long provides reasons for cautious optimism.
Looking at the wider season through the 12BET VR46 match schedule, Changchun Yatai now appear to have found a clearer direction after a difficult start. The six changes to the lineup brought fresh energy, the tactical adjustments reduced defensive weaknesses, and Tan Long delivered when his opportunity arrived. If the team can maintain that discipline while gradually adding more attacking threat, this victory may prove to be the point where their season finally began to turn the corner.