Beijing Guoan were hoping to close the gap on Chinese Super League leaders Shanghai SIPG when they faced off on Saturday.
Beijing were seven points behind Shanghai prior to kickoff.
After a tentative first half, the home side finally broke the deadlock three minutes from half time when Jonathan Viera struck from close range.
The goal however was disallowed after interference with play.
It was goalless at half time.
When play resumed, Shanghai went on the offensive and came close on 50 minutes, but Elkeson put his shot wide.
SIPG pressed on and finally found the opener in the 66th minute. Hulk with the shot that slipped pass keeper Guo Quanbo’s arms and it was 1-0 to the visitors.
Shanghai hung on to win 1-0 and extend their lead to 55 points, putting them in seven points ahead of second placed Guangzhou Evergrande. SNTV
