In the 13th round of the Chinese Super League, Hebei China Fortune edged Tianjin Teda 1-0 thanks to a lightning-fast goal from Kakuta just 26 seconds into the match. With this win, Hebei extended their unbeaten run to six matches since their 0-2 away loss to Guangzhou Evergrande, collecting five wins and one draw. According to Cricket Exchange, the gap between Hebei and league leaders Evergrande has now narrowed to just three points, igniting talk of a potential title challenge.

Notably, Hebei has remained unbeaten at home throughout this season with four wins and three draws. Their last home league defeat dates back to May 17 of last year, when they lost to Wuhan Zall in the China League One—a streak that has now lasted an impressive 397 days. This formidable home form has fueled confidence within the squad that they can keep pace with Evergrande. Although Hebei opened their Super League campaign with back-to-back home draws against Jiangsu Suning and Shijiazhuang Yongchang, they soon turned their home ground into a fortress. A thrilling 4-3 win over Henan Jianye kicked off a series of dominant performances, including victories over fellow newly promoted side Yanbian and title contenders Shandong Luneng. Despite a 2-2 draw with Shanghai Shenhua halting their win streak, Hebei’s momentum remained strong.

Against Tianjin—one of the best away teams this season—Hebei struck early and held firm, once again showcasing their home dominance. Cricket Exchange notes that last season, Hebei’s dramatic push for promotion was built on a powerful home run in the final two-thirds of the season. After a rocky start to their home campaign in League One with just two wins in six matches, Hebei surged to seven wins and two draws in their final nine home games. Since their loss to Wuhan Zall in May 2022, no team has taken all three points from their stadium.

Now 397 days undefeated at home and only three points behind Evergrande, Hebei continues to defy expectations. While head coach Li Tie insists the club’s main objective is to reach 33 points and secure top-flight survival, Cricket Exchange analysts believe Hebei is now one of only two teams—alongside Jiangsu Suning—still capable of challenging Evergrande’s supremacy. Former powerhouses like Shanghai Port, Shandong Luneng, and Beijing Guoan have fallen off the pace.

Last season, Hebei posted the best away record in League One. This year, they’ve earned 15 points in seven road games, eclipsing Evergrande’s 13 points in six. Though they trail by five points in the home standings, if Hebei can maintain their unbeaten home form while continuing to perform on the road, a serious title challenge may be within reach—one that Cricket Exchange will be watching closely.