Santalab opens account for Chengdu Blades

Chengdu Blades recruit Brendon Santalab netted his first goal for his new club on Saturday.

The Blades ran out 2-1 winners in their Chinese Super League clash against Changchun Yatai thanks to the former Sydney FC striker’s winner 12 minutes from time.

Brazil forward Rodrigues put Chengdu in the lead after 13 minutes before Changchun’s Serbian-born striker Branimir Subasic equalised in the 71st minute.

Santalab then came to the rescue to score the winner seven minutes later.

The win lifts Chengdu to 13th on the table whilst Changchun slide to eighth.