Are the Shanghai duo falling from grace? Last year's title contenders now sit just four points above the relegation zone! Shenhua on a three-match losing streak, while Haigang have managed only one win in four rounds.

In a crucial match of the 21st round of the Chinese Super League concluded on August 2 Beijing time, Shanghai Shenhua suffered a 1-3 defeat away to promoted side Liaoning Iron Man, pulling them into the relegation turmoil after three straight losses.

Having lost to Tianjin Jinmen Tiger and Shanghai Haigang in the previous two rounds, the slumping Shenhua once again failed to rebound against Iron Man.

Just nine minutes into the game, Shenhua's defense was carved open by a long pass from Yan Dinghao, allowing Refeinio to break the offside trap and slot home a one-on-one, giving the hosts the lead. In the 30th minute, matters worsened for Shenhua as they conceded a penalty, which Bang Benyi Yu calmly converted to make it 2-0 for Iron Man.

After the break, Shenhua pulled one back in the 66th minute when Li Haoran's handball gave away a penalty, which Mineiro scored. However, Refeinio netted again in the 86th minute to seal the victory for Iron Man. Ultimately, Shenhua had to accept a 1-3 loss.

With this defeat, Shenhua suffered their third consecutive league loss. Their city rivals Shanghai Haigang also lost to Taishan this round, securing only one win in their last four matches (1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses), which came in the previous derby victory over Shenhua.

The two Shanghai powerhouses, who were vying for the CSL title last season, have now both been dragged into the relegation battle with nine rounds left to play.

Currently, with ten games remaining, both Shenhua and Haigang are only two points ahead of Tianjin Jinmen Tiger and four points clear of the relegation zone side Wuhan Three Towns.

If Shenhua and Haigang cannot escape their current slump, it is not entirely impossible for them to be overtaken by the in-form Tianjin Jinmen Tiger and Wuhan Three Towns, falling into the relegation zone.