Shenhua had made an indifferent start to the season with only one win in five matches in the Chinese league and AFC Champions League, but they enjoyed an early breakthrough against Wuhan.

China midfielder Mao Jianqing beat defender Yang Kunpeng on the left flank and crossed for Uruguayan import Blanco to head home at the far post.

However, Wuhan equalised four minutes after the break as substitute Wang Xiaoshi headed in a corner taken by Lu Bofei.

Wang went close to giving the visitors the lead 10 minutes later when he beat the Shenhua offside trap only to see his low shot turned aside by goalkeeper Wang Dalei at full stretch.

Honduran forward Martinez and China international striker Xie Hui were brought on by Shenhua's Uruguayan coach Osvaldo Gimenez and the substitutes teamed up to set up their team's go-ahead goal in the 73rd minute.

Xie Hui received a pass from Martinez and dribbled into the box before being pulled down by Brazilian defender Emerson for a penalty. Blanco converted from the spot to restore Shenhua's advantage.

A minute from time, Martinez received a pass from Lu Xin in midfield and outran Yang Kunpeng on the left before sidestepping Emerson in the box and powering the ball into the net.

Shenhua have seven points, three behind leaders Dalian Shide and level with Tianjin Teda and defending champions Shandong Luneng, who were held 1-1 at newly promoted Henan Jianye.

Lu Feng opened the scoring for the home side in the 29th minute, but Bulgarian international Predrag Pazin saved his side from defeat by tapping in a loose ball six minutes from time.

Shandong finished the game with 10 players after substitute Li Wei was sent off in the 85th minute for retaliating after a bad challeng by a Henan defender.

In other games on Sunday, Beijing Guo'an were held 1-1 by Shenzhen Kingway, while Changsha Ginde beat Qingdao Zhongneng 2-1.