Victory for Marcello Lippi's side – coupled with Jiangsu Sainty's failure to beat Beijing Guoan – saw Guangzhou Evergrande take an unassailable five-point lead on the table with just one match of the season remaining.

The table-toppers were strong favourites against Liaoning, who are battling to avoid relegation, but they were made to fight until the very last minute for their victory.

Attacker Gao Lin scored the all-important goal in the first minute of second-half stoppage time, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans at the Tianhe Stadium.

Confirmation of their triumph was not known until the 90 minutes had ended in Nanjing, with Jiangsu Sainty's match against the third-placed Beijing Guoan finishing goalless.

Jiangsu will rue their sloppy end to the season, with just three wins in their past 10 matches costing them a chance of winning the league.

Fourth-placed Guizhou Renhe drew 1-1 with Tianjin Teda at home, with Du Zhenyu's 38th-minute goal cancelling out Dino Djulbic's opener.

Henan Jianye's relegation was confirmed after they slumped to a 1-0 home defeat against Dalian Shide.

Yan Xiangchuang scored the goal that sent Henan down.

Shanghai Shenxin, who sit second bottom, live to fight another day after a 1-1 home draw with Shandong Luneng, although Du Wei's 94th-minute equaliser for the visitors may cost them a spot in the top flight.

Shanghai Shenxin need to beat 14th-placed Liaoning Whowin next week to avoid relegation, in a match in which a draw or defeat will prove costly.

Other results saw Hangzhou win 3-0 at Changchun Yatai, thanks to goals from Cao Xuan, Renatinho and Wang Song, while Zheng Long struck a double in Qingdao Jonoon's 3-2 win over Guangzhou R&F and Dalian Aerbin and Shanghai Shenhua played out a goalless draw.