In China, five-time defending champions in the CSL, Guangzhou Evergrande were at home to newly promoted Yanbian Fude. Evergrande were not expected to have much trouble against the underdog visitors, but they would be stunned early and have to fight to get back in a close match.

Guangzhou Evergrande 1 - Yanbian 1

Yanbian are looking to stay in the top half of the Super League standings.

Their hopes are boosted in the 18th minute. He Taijun whips the ball across the area, and Boubacarr Trawally deflects into the net to make it 1-0 as Yanbian take an unexpected lead against the champs.

Yanbian would be able to hold off Guangzhou until just two minutes from time. Fude lose the ball in midfield, and with Yanbian defender Wu Yongchun down injured in the box, Guangzhou press the attack. It's swung across to Ricardo Goulart who sets up Yu Hanchao from outside the area and he fires over the keeper with a beautiful strike to make it 1-1 and rescue a draw for the hosts.

That means Guangzhou retain top spot, while Yanbian fall to 10th place in the standings.

Kakuta's goal after 26 seconds is enough for Fortune

And Hebei Fortune hosted Tianjin Teda and they quickly get off to a perfect start when they open the scoring with their first possession of the match. Ding Haifeng cuts forward from the left flank before crossing to the middle of the area and Fael Kakuta slots past the keeper to put Fortune ahead just 26 seconds in.

Tianjin are seeking an equalizer the rest of the way, but the home side are able to hold on for the 1-0 victory. Hebei are now three points behind leaders Guangzhou.

Here are some other notable encounters on Sunday. Beijing Guoan travel to Guangzhou R&F, SIPG take on Shandong Luneng. Third placed Jiangsu Suning host Chongqing Lifan, while Shanghai Shenhua face Hangzhou Greentown.