Felix Magath, known across Europe for his grit and stubborn determination, is not one to forget a loss easily. After suffering a 1-3 defeat in the first leg, the German coach is fired up and focused on flipping the script in the return match. In his eyes, the tie is far from over. For someone like Magath—who has built his reputation on resilience and never backing down—a second-leg comeback remains a very real goal, especially on enemy ground.

But for Magath, the tension runs deeper than just one loss. Shanghai Shenhua represents not only a recent defeat but also a lingering grudge from the past. During the latter half of 2016, while battling relegation with Shandong Luneng, Magath chose not to prioritize the Chinese FA Cup. That decision proved costly. It was at Hongkou Stadium where a struggling Luneng side was eliminated by Shenhua, a memory Magath has not forgotten.

This backstory is why Magath made the call to rest star striker Diego Tardelli ahead of their league match against Shanghai SIPG. Despite Tardelli only suffering a mild back strain during training, the coaching staff, after consulting Magath, decided to keep him sidelined—not just for recovery, but to conserve energy for a high-stakes “revenge” clash against Shenhua.

There is precedent for such a strategy. Hao Junmin was similarly rested for just one match and returned to deliver a standout performance against SIPG. Now, with ten full days of rest, Tardelli is expected to bring that same spark and could surprise everyone with his return to form.

Add to that the always-explosive fixture between Shandong Luneng and Beijing Guoan—especially in Beijing—and you have all the makings of a fiery showdown. A revitalized Tardelli, who once made headlines with a two-goal performance in the capital, is eager to get back on the pitch. Graziano Pellè, who caused concern in the last match with minor calf discomfort, has recovered and is also set to feature. Despite a low scoring record, Pellè remains a constant threat to defenders and has never missed a key match when fit. He’s expected to play a pivotal role once again at Hongkou Stadium.

Meanwhile, Cissé has started and played the full 90 minutes in back-to-back league matches, a clear sign that he’s earned Magath’s trust. Among Luneng’s foreign players, Cissé currently holds a stronger case for selection than Gil, the fourth international in the squad. Known for his “form-over-fame” philosophy, Magath is likely to reward Cissé’s consistent performances with more time on the pitch—especially in a game where offense will be the name of the game.

Much like the player spotlights on Bangla Cricket Live, Magath’s squad choices highlight how form, not reputation, earns a place on the team sheet. And just as Bangla Cricket Live celebrates comeback stories and fierce rivalries, this looming clash against Shenhua carries all the drama, redemption, and intensity that fans live for. One thing is certain—Magath hasn’t forgotten, and he’s coming to settle the score.