On the evening of May 30th, the final stage of the 2025/2026 Sichuan Bank Sichuan Provincial City Football League kicked off at Zigong Nanhu Sports Center, where the home team Zigong Dengcheng Shenlong team faced off against Leshan Very Flavorsome Team. The match was a thrilling rollercoaster, featuring intense and exciting transitions between attack and defense. In the end, Zigong secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Leshan with a last-minute penalty during stoppage time.

At the Game [Photo by Zhiquan Liao]

Before the match, Zigong welcomed guests with its unique 'Salt Capital-style' hospitality. The opening performance, titled Zen and the City: Lotus Shines on the Pitch, featured 200 young women from the Salt Capital transforming into lotuses and 100 young men embodying mindful artisans, vividly showcasing the cultural tourism integration and friendly interactions between Zigong and Leshan. Students from Rong County Yuzhang Senior High School presented Entering Rongzhou, using tea to express hospitality and pottery as a medium, offering the scenic beauty and heartfelt warmth of the Salt Capital to friends and audiences from near and far. Local delicacies such as Leshan Bobo Chicken, Rong County Spicy Chicken, Leshan Qiaojiao Beef, and Zigong Boiled Spicy Beef were also showcased, delighting the crowd. The final performance, Spicy Dance of the Salt Guild's Passion, used food as a bridge to connect the fiery, bustling flavors and street life of the two culinary cities.

Opening Performance [Photo by Zhiquan Liao]

The game began with both teams quickly finding their rhythm and launching fierce attacks. The first half ended in a 1-1 draw. In the second half, the teams battled to another 2-2 tie.

At the Game [Photo by Zhiquan Liao]

During stoppage time, a Leshan defender brought down a Zigong player, and the referee awarded a penalty. After the penalty was converted, the match ended with the final score at 3-2.