It was around 3 pm when the rain cleared, and the sun crept out from behind sodden clouds. I rechecked the forecast. No rain in sight, and temperatures would hover around 75 degrees. Perfect soccer weather. It would be hot, humid, and nearly unbearable on a typical mid-summer day in Beijing. The Footballing Gods had approved of my plans.

Almost immediately from the restart, the lifeline that the match had needed was either found in the locker room or in some moment of inspiration on the pitch, I could tell this forty-five minutes would be different.

The weather in Beijing was actually bearable for most of the weekend. While still relatively high, it wasn’t the sort of scorching heat we’ve had in the previous few weeks. There was a nice breeze, which helped even if marginally.

The most glaring one is that the local club opened their newly rebuilt stadium just in time for the beginning of the season. Beijing Guoan spent the previous three seasons at a temporary ground in the west of the city. And this new stadium, built on the grounds of the old one, was purpose-built for the beautiful game. As anyone would imagine, the buzz around the new ground led to a sellout for the opening match back in April and that sentiment has continued ever since.