In the Hong Kong Premier League season opener last Friday, 29th, Kitchee secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Eastern at Mong Kok Stadium, thanks to a goal from Cheng Chin Lung.
The match marked the beginning of the 2025/26 season, featuring the much-anticipated "The Big Blue" clash. Kitchee started strong, with an early chance when Wang Zhenpeng launched a long pass, allowing Adrián Revilla to charge into the box, but his shot was blocked by the defense. Kitchee dominated possession for most of the half, and Revilla had another opportunity with a quick shot from a tight angle following a cross from Ruslan Mingazov, but hit the post.
In the 35th minute, Kitchee broke the deadlock. Jay Haddow and Mingazov combined well on the right flank, with Haddow delivering a cross that Cheng Chin Lung headed in at the far post. Kendy had several chances to extend the lead but was thwarted by Eastern's goalkeeper. Kitchee went into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.
After the break, Kitchee faced a couple of close calls defensively, with one Eastern shot hitting the crossbar and Callum Beattie managing to block another counterattack. Kitchee responded with a close-range effort from Júnior that narrowly missed. Youngster Cheung Yiu Hin also had a chance, but his shot was saved by the opposing keeper. In the closing moments, Wang Zhenpeng made a crucial save from a direct free kick, and Law Tsz Chun blocked a follow-up shot. Ultimately, Kitchee held on for a 1-0 victory, kicking off the new season on a positive note.