Shanghai SIPG returned to the top place after a 0-0 draw with Beijing Guoan in the spotlight of the 20th round of the Chinese Super League (CSL) here on Monday.
The game marks the first appearence of Zhang Xizhe for Beijing Guoan this season after returning from Bundesliga team Wolfsburg.
Shanghai SIPG got a penalty in the 12th minute for a controversial handball from Beijing Guoan defender Darko Matic, but Brazilian striker Davi's kick was stopped by Yang Zhi.
In the second half, both teams suffered controversial offside calls. Beijing Guoan's Yu Dabao had body contact with Shanghai defender Yang Boyu in the penalty area in the 61st minute, but seeing no response from the referee.
After several controversial refereeing, the decisive game for CSL top place ended at 0-0.
The Big Four dominated top four places. Shanghai SIPG climbed to top with 42 points, leading Guangzhou Evergrande by one point, followed by Beijing Guoan and Shandong Luneng with 40 points.
