Taishan Thrashes Guoan! Media Buzz: Setién Under Fire as Defense Resembles Manchester United

In Round 23 of the 2025 Chinese Super League, Shandong Taishan delivered a stunning first-half performance at home against Beijing Guoan. Vako netted a sensational hat-trick, while Madruga added another with a brilliant lob, giving Taishan a commanding 4–0 lead before halftime. The match quickly became the center of heated discussions among football pundits.

The contrast from their first meeting this season could not have been starker. In that earlier clash, Taishan suffered a humiliating 1–6 defeat away to Guoan. This time, however, Vako ran the show with three goals and one assist in the opening 45 minutes, while Madruga’s audacious finish sealed a first-half rout.

Xu Zexin didn’t mince words in his analysis:

Reporter Yong Fangfang offered a blunt tactical suggestion:

Yang Tianying highlighted Guoan’s mental collapse:

Journalist Chen Hua compared Setién’s choices to other recent tactical failures:

He added: