The 2020 Taiwan Football Premier League began at a rapid pace, with 18 goals scored across the opening four matches and the defending champions suffering a dramatic home defeat.
The headline fixture saw Tatung host traditional rivals Taipower. Tatung entered the campaign after a winter of significant squad changes, while Taipower were once again expected to challenge strongly for the title.
Taipower Edge Tatung in a Five-Goal Derby
Tatung took the lead before halftime through Angel Samuel Kouamé, but Taipower responded in the second half as the match developed into one of the most dramatic games of the opening weekend.
Chen Chao-an brought Taipower level before Li Xiang-wei put the visitors ahead. Tatung recovered again, making the score 2–2 and appearing to have secured a point.
The final twist came deep into the closing stages. Li Xiang-wei found space in the penalty area and scored the late winner, giving Taipower a 3–2 victory and an important opening-day result against their major rivals.
The defeat added to the questions already surrounding Tatung following the departure of several important players before the season.
Taiwan Steel Make a Strong Start
Taiwan Steel also opened their campaign with a victory, defeating Ming Chuan University 4–2.
The Tainan club had strengthened aggressively during the winter and several of their new players immediately contributed. Marc Fenelus was among the scorers, while the attacking quality of Taiwan Steel demonstrated why the club had been viewed as a potential title challenger.
Ming Chuan University competed well and found the net twice, but Taiwan Steel's greater attacking strength proved decisive.
Taichung Futuro Begin With Three Points
Taichung Futuro also started the season positively with a 2–1 victory over NTUS.
Goals from Chen Ting-Yang and Hung Tzu-kuei gave Futuro control of the match. NTUS threatened a late response, but Futuro held on to collect all three points.
The result supported expectations that Taichung Futuro could play a larger role in the 2020 title race.
Hang Yuan Put Four Past Red Lions
The largest margin of victory came in the match between Hang Yuan and the Red Lions. Hang Yuan won 4–0 after creating numerous opportunities throughout the game.
Red Lions entered the fixture with personnel problems and struggled to contain their opponents. The result left them with an immediate challenge as they prepared for the next round of fixtures.
An Open Start to the Season
The first round suggested that the 2020 Taiwan Premier League could be more competitive than recent campaigns. Tatung had already dropped points, Taipower had demonstrated their title credentials, and Taiwan Steel and Taichung Futuro both began with victories.
With matches taking place under unusual conditions and clubs adjusting to squad changes, there was already plenty of uncertainty around the early league table.