Photo: Cui Meng/GT

TheMK socks Chinese Super League (CSL) returned in the weekend after an international break, with an unprecedented turnout at matches and on-field excitement brought by young guns. 

At Dalian's Suoyuwan Stadium, a staggering 60,126 spectators packed the stands to witness Dalian Yingbo's historic 2-0 victory over Changchun Yatai on Saturday, making it the second-highest attendance of a CSL match. 

The atmosphere, fueled by passionate local supporters, underscored Dalian's status as one of China's fervent football strongholds.

The game in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning Province, marking Yingbo's first home match in the CSL, saw a giant tifo reading "WE ARE DALIAN" in English lifted from the bottom to the top of the northern stands in the stadium, a move rarely seen in domestic football events.

In Beijing, Guoan's home opener at the iconic Workers' Stadium also drew a massive crowd of 52,982 people, the second-highest of the round. 

Despite a 1-1 draw with Chengdu Rongcheng, the fixture highlighted the capital city's enduring football culture and the league's ability to attract large-scale audiences. 

Meanwhile, Shenzhen Xinpengcheng's Shenzhen Sports Center Stadium welcomed 31,205 fans in the first match after its renovation, even though the team fell 4-3 to CSL newcomers Yunnan Yukun. 

The modernized venue, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, signaled Shenzhen's ambition to become a major domestic football destination.

The highest attendance for a CSL game was the 65,769 people who watched the match between Jiangsu Sainty and Guangzhou Evergrande at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center Stadium in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, on October 20, 2012. 

Some analysts have linked the attendance resurgence to the record setting attendance in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, on Tuesday.

The Chinese national team, though suffering a home 2-0 defeat to Australia in a World Cup Asian qualifier, attracted a record of 70,588 people to the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, marking the highest attendance of a football match held in China. 

"The fans attendance to the national team match reignited some fans' enthusiasm toward their local football clubs," Beijing-based sports commentator Zhang Bin told the Global Times on Sunday. 

Zhang also noted that such enthusiasm toward club football will only be sustainable if the team delivers quality performances over the long run.

"Such high attendance might not be there for every single match, but as long as the team delivers quality performances and grabs points as much as it can, it is possible that the fans will set new attendance records this season."

The third round also witnessed a youth revolution, as several teenagers announced their arrival on the top flight's scoring list. 

Eighteen-year-old Wang Yudong  of Zhejiang FC, 19-year-old Zhu Pengyu of Dalian and 19-year-old Li Xinxiang of Shanghai Port all scored their maiden CSL goals, showcasing the fruits of China's youth development programs.

Beyond the youth movement, the third round delivered nail-biting action, including multiple comebacks and high-scoring thrillers. 

Shandong Taishan staged a dramatic 4-3 comeback against Meizhou Hakka, overcoming a 3-0 deficit in the first half. 

While the league's resurgence is cause for celebration, analysts caution that sustained success requires addressing long-term issues. 

"The infrastructure and fan engagement are there, but we need to continue to focus on grassroots development and retaining talent," Beijing-based sports commentator Zhu Meng told the Global Times. 

"Clubs must balance ambition with financial prudence to ensure sustainability, which is vital for survival in the league."