3-1! Wuhan Three Towns Finally Win: Former National Player Delivers a Goal and Two Assists to Propel Team Out of Relegation Zone

On April 12, Wuhan Three Towns finally put an end to their dismal start to the 2025 Chinese Super League season with a 3-1 win over Yunnan Yukun in Round 6. After five games without a victory, a managerial sacking, and a mounting sense of uncertainty, Wuhan claimed their first win of the campaign, climbing out of the relegation zone and up to 14th place in the standings. This victory marked a dramatic shift in their fortunes, and the players had a former national team hero to thank for their much-needed turnaround.

A Season of Struggles

Before this game, Wuhan Three Towns had endured a frustrating and turbulent start to the 2025 CSL campaign. With just 1 point from 5 matches, the club had found themselves at the very bottom of the league. The team’s attack was blunt, with only 2 goals scored in 5 matches, and their performances lacked cohesion and energy. Their most recent match, a 1-3 loss to Meizhou Hakka, was the final straw for then-manager Felipe Martins, who was sacked and became the first managerial casualty of the season.

Taking charge as interim coach was Deng Zhuoxiang, a former national team midfielder with coaching experience at the club. His immediate challenge was clear: bring stability, boost morale, and ignite a much-needed spark in a squad that had underperformed terribly.

The Tactical Shift: A More Attack-Minded Approach

Deng wasted no time in making tactical adjustments, opting for a 4-3-3 formation, which offered more attacking flair compared to the cautious approach under Martins. Tudor was deployed as the central striker, with Palacios on the left wing and Shaoer on the right. For Yunnan Yukun, it was a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, with Pedro Henrique leading the line. Henrique, a former Wuhan player, had been a significant threat during his time at the club, scoring 14 goals in 22 appearances.

From the get-go, it was clear that Wuhan was determined to assert their dominance. The attacking movement was fluid, and the energy in the stadium was palpable. The match saw a blistering start.

A Quick Strike to Set the Tone

In a performance that would set the tone for the remainder of the match, Wuhan found the back of the net just 38 seconds into the game. Right-back Deng Hanwen delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Yi Teng of Yunnan Yukun misjudged the ball, allowing Tudor to rise above the defense and head the ball into the net. The early goal was a massive boost for Wuhan, who had struggled in the early stages of the season to even create such chances, let alone convert them.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. In the 16th minute, Wuhan suffered an injury setback when Tudor was forced off the pitch after sustaining a non-contact injury. His replacement, Zheng Haoqian, would prove to be equally effective, but the loss of the starting striker raised concerns. Despite this, Wuhan continued to push forward.

Dominant First Half

At the 22nd minute, Wuhan extended their lead. Deng Hanwen, continuing to be a key figure on the right, sent in another exquisite cross. This time, Wang Jinxian made a perfect run and leapt to head the ball past the goalkeeper, making it 2-0. It was a goal that showcased Wuhan's attacking fluidity and the growing chemistry between the players. The first half continued to be a complete display of attacking football from the home side.

Then, in the 36th minute, Wuhan struck again. Yunnan Yukun struggled to contain the relentless Wuhan offense, and after a ball was played into the box by Shaoer, Zheng Haoqian contested the aerial duel. The ball fell to Deng Hanwen, who, showing tremendous composure, lashed a first-time volley into the net. The referee consulted VAR to ensure the goal was legitimate, and after a brief review, the decision stood. It was a deserved 3-0 lead for Wuhan, and the crowd was in ecstasy.

Despite having just 44% possession, Wuhan proved that attacking efficiency was far more important than the stats on the ball. They had 13 shots with 7 on target, and their clinical edge was the stark contrast to their earlier struggles in front of goal. Deng Hanwen’s contribution of 1 goal and 2 assists was the highlight of the half, and his experience showed as he continually caused havoc on the right flank.

Second Half: Game Management and Yunnan's Response

As the second half began, Wuhan shifted to a more cautious approach, looking to manage their commanding lead. Deng Hanwen remained a constant threat, but the team began to slow the tempo as they sought to preserve their lead.

In the 54th minute, a worrying moment occurred when Deng Hanwen went down after an aggressive challenge from a Yunnan player. He received treatment for a knee injury, but fortunately, he was able to continue after a brief delay. The match continued, but Wuhan’s offensive threats slowed as they looked to absorb pressure.

In the 65th minute, Yunnan came close to pulling one back. Oscar, on a rapid counterattack, found himself in a promising position to score, but Ren Hang made a crucial challenge to deny him. Oscar's shot went wide, and Wuhan remained unscathed.

Yunnan made an attempt to get back into the match, but Wuhan defended resolutely. The 78th minute saw a near-miss from Han Zilong, who attempted a bicycle kick in the box, but it failed to trouble the goalkeeper.

With the game nearing its end, fatigue began to set in for Wuhan, particularly for their star players. Both Deng Hanwen and Wang Jinxian suffered from cramps in the final stages, but they continued to push on.

Yunnan's Consolation

In the 87th minute, Yunnan Yukun was handed a lifeline when Palacios was penalized for a handball inside the box. Pedro Henrique, a former Wuhan player, stepped up to take the penalty and coolly converted it to reduce the deficit to 3-1. However, it was a little too late for Yunnan, and Wuhan held firm to seal the victory.

A New Beginning for Wuhan

The 3-1 victory marked Wuhan Three Towns' first win of the 2025 season, and it propelled them out of the relegation zone, climbing to 14th place. With 4 points from 6 matches, they now have a foundation to build on. It was a much-needed win, but more importantly, it demonstrated a shift in the team’s mentality.

Interim manager Deng Zhuoxiang deserves credit for a brave tactical approach that paid off handsomely. His decision to go on the offensive from the outset set the tone for the match. But it was the individual brilliance of Deng Hanwen, who scored one goal and provided two assists, that truly carried Wuhan to victory.

A Final Word: Turning the Page

This was a match that showcased Wuhan’s potential when they are free to play with confidence and ambition. The long wait for a first win was finally over, but the team must not rest on their laurels. The season is still young, and survival is far from guaranteed, but for the first time in a long while, Wuhan Three Towns can look forward to what lies ahead with renewed hope.

It’s clear now: the worst is behind them, and better days could be on the horizon.