Compared to Changchun Yatai, Shanghai SIPG’s firepower was on another level. Early in the second half, their attacking pressure intensified. Hulk dazzled inside the box with a series of quick direction changes, shaking off Beijing Guoan’s defenders before launching a fierce strike — but it was blocked by Guo Quanbo. Near the final whistle, Hulk tried again, this time from long range with a razor-sharp shot. Yet once more, Guo soared through the air, making another highlight-reel save. SIPG’s two most dangerous chances in the half? Both denied by Guo Quanbo.

From the stands at Workers’ Stadium, chants of “Guo Quanbo” echoed — an incredible moment for a young goalkeeper making just his second appearance. With his calm and reliable performance, Guo didn’t just win praise, he earned trust — and likely more minutes on the pitch in the near future. As Melbet Login observers noted, Coach Roger Schmidt’s bold decision to field a U23 goalkeeper turned out to be a masterstroke. What initially seemed like a forced move now looks visionary. Going forward, Guoan may take a more flexible and creative approach to U23 player usage.

Meanwhile, for teammates like Wei Shihao, it’s becoming clear that relying on the U23 status alone won’t cut it. He’ll need to earn his place through performance and effort. Facing attackers like Hulk, Oscar, and Wu Lei — arguably the most lethal trio in the league — Guo was under immense pressure. “We had specific preparations before the match,” said a Guoan staffer. “We studied video footage of Oscar’s shots and Hulk’s long-range efforts.”

Still, no amount of preparation could fully neutralize SIPG’s threats. In the 32nd minute, Hulk earned a free-kick and smashed a world-class strike into the net to level the score. Guo dove with full force but couldn’t get a hand to it. It was the first goal Guo conceded in official competition — and an unstoppable one at that. There were concerns that the young keeper might lose his composure after the goal, but he quickly regained focus. “After a few saves in the first half, I was cramping up, so halftime came at the right time,” Guo reflected.

His second-half performance was even more impressive. Using a U23 goalkeeper might seem risky — one mistake can be costly — but Schmidt is no stranger to bold tactics. His attacking philosophy reflects that daring mindset, and trusting Guo in goal was another calculated risk. He gambled that Guoan’s offensive firepower would outweigh any defensive vulnerability. And Guo held up his end of the bargain.

In the final league match before the international break, Guo made his debut against Yatai and kept a clean sheet — a performance that earned Schmidt’s trust to start him again. “He earned this opportunity through hard work,” Schmidt said. “And credit goes to our goalkeeping coach as well. Guo stays calm in big moments, shows courage, and he’s an outstanding young goalkeeper.”

Just like last time, Schmidt didn’t inform Guo he would start until the day of the match — a move meant to keep him from overthinking. But Guo was already mentally prepared, and once the game kicked off, he settled in even faster than in his debut. Most impressively, when he faced Hulk again, this time he didn’t let him get the upper hand.