Jiangsu Suning missed the chance to move into the Chinese Super League's top four after Yannick Carrasco's late penalty secured Dalian Yifang a 1-1 draw on Sunday.
Alex Teixeira had given Cosmin Olaroiu's side the lead just after the hour mark, and a win would have seen the Nanjing-based club leapfrog Shandong Luneng into fourth with eight games of the season gone.
But Carrasco's spot kick -- awarded when the video assistant referee confirmed Tian Yinong had handled Marek Hamsik's free kick into the penalty area -- earned Dalian a point that keeps them clear of the relegation zone.
Jiangsu are on 13 points, 11 adrift of league leaders Beijing Guoan, who defeated seven-time champions Guangzhou Evergrande 1-0 on Saturday to maintain their perfect start to the campaign.
Jonathan Viera scored the only goal 64 minutes into the game to move Beijing on to 24 points, five ahead of second-placed Shanghai SIPG and a further point clear of Evergrande.
"Although we have an eight-game winning streak, every game has been difficult," Beijing coach Roger Schmidt said. "Each victory has taken a lot of effort.
"We are able to win a game like this because every player is testing his limits. Compared to last season we have made great progress. We have had a good start, but it's not time to think too far ahead."
SIPG, who won the title for the first time last season, overtook Evergrande due to their 2-0 win over Guangzhou R&F, which came courtesy of second-half goals from Li Shenglong and Hulk.
Graziano Pelle scored twice to move on to eight goals for the season as Shandong Luneng increased the misery for Hebei CFFC with a 2-0 defeat that means Chris Coleman's side have not won since March 10, when they defeated Shanghai Shenhua.
Shenhua's own struggles continued as they slipped to a 2-1 loss against newly-promoted Shenzhen FC, who had an 88th minute goal from Harold Preciado to thank for securing all three points.
Elsewhere, Henan Jianye climbed up to ninth with a 2-1 win over Beijing Renhe that saw Alexandar Stanojevic's side drop to the bottom of the 16-team standings.
Tianjin Tianhai and Chongqing Lifan shared a 3-3 draw while Tianjin Teda were held to a 1-1 tie by last year's second division champions Wuhan Zall.