In order to preserve energy for a crucial Asian Champions League match against Adelaide United on Wednesday, Changchun coach Gao Hongbo left key midfielder Du Zhenyu on the bench.

The visitors, who will meet Thai side Krung Thai Bank on Wednesday in their last Asian Champions League group game, looked determined to exact revenge on Changchun who wrested away their domestic title last season.

Chen Lei opened the scoring for the hosts just one minute into the game when Ivory Coast international Guillaume Dah Zadi headed Zhang Xiaofei's cross into the path of the youngster who tapped home.

Beijing intensified their attack with Huang Bowen shooting wide in the 13th minute and they came closer to an equaliser midway through the half when Huang Bowen's powerful free-kick went wide while Brazilian Tiago Jorge Honorio's header was denied by goalkeeper Zong Lei.

Walter Martinez squandered a golden opportunity in the 62nd minute when his low shot flew just wide.

But Huang Bowen's long-range effort beat Zong Lei 14 minutes before time as he unleashed a low shot after the ball was deflected into his path on the edge of the box.

"My players displayed their strong desire for a victory," Gao Hongbo said.

"We were at a difficult time after a four-game losing streak. We have to focus on Wednesday's game from now on."

Changchun have five points and are 14th in the 16-team Chinese Super League.

"We were too eager to win the game at the beginning," said Beijing coach Lee Jang-soo.

"The players seemed to ignore defending in the early minutes."

Elsewhere, Shanghai Shenhua secured a 1-0 victory at home to Wuhan Guanggu to close the gap on league leaders Shaanxi Baorong.

Costa Rican forward Erick Scott grabbed the game's only goal in the 63rd minute to secure the three points for the hosts.

Shaanxi, meanwhile, rescued a point at Dalian Shide as the two sides played out a 1-1 draw.

Zhao Xuri opened the scoring five minutes before half time but Vincente levelled with 20 minutes remaining to ensure the visitors' unbeaten run remained intact.

Elsewhere, third-placed Tianjin Teda also drew 1-1 at home to Shandong Luneng.

Wang Yongpo put the visitors ahead in the 25th minute before Zhang Shup equalised in the 40th minute.

A brace by Johnson Macaba helped Shenzhen Shangqingyin to a 4-0 win over Liaoning FC while Zhejiang Lucheng defeated hosts Guangzhou Yiyao 3-1.

Finally, Wen Huyi's 87th-minute strike secured a 1-1 draw for Changsha Ginde at home to Chengdu Blades.