Changchun Yatai picked up their second win in three games as Odion Ighalo scored twice in a 3-2 away victory over Guizhou Zhicheng.
Lee Jang-soo’s men were held to a 0-0 draw by Hebei CFFC in their previous league outing, but a return to winning ways puts them level on points with Chongqing Lifan, who face Beijing Guoan in their next outing.
After a goalless first half, Ighalo gave his side the lead in the 50th minute after heading past goalkeeper Boyang Su.
Rui Yi doubled the lead in the 80th, six minutes after Fan Yi was sent off for violent conduct.
The Nigeria international sealed victory for his side with a 90th-minute effort after rounding goalkeeper Boyang Su in the wake of a poor clearance from Lin Longchang.
Ighalo would be hoping to increase his tally for the season when he leads his side against Jiangsu Suning FC on October 22.