Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors have finally broken their winless streak in the 2026 K League 1 season, clinching a dramatic 2-1 victory over FC Anyang at Jeonju World Cup Stadium on March 18. Under the guidance of new head coach Jeong Jeong-yong, Jeonbuk’s much-awaited first win came after three games without a victory, sending a wave of relief and excitement through their supporters and the squad alike. For FC Anyang, the defeat marked their first stumble of the campaign after a promising start, and the closely fought contest offered a showcase of tactical adjustments, individual brilliance, and the unpredictable magic of football.
Both teams entered the fourth-round clash with plenty on the line. Jeonbuk, last season’s champions, had only managed two draws and a loss in their opening fixtures—an uncharacteristically slow start for the perennial title contenders. FC Anyang, meanwhile, arrived in Jeonju unbeaten, buoyed by a run of one win and two draws and eager to prove they could hang with the league’s heavyweights.
Jeonbuk lined up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. Tiago led the line, supported by an attacking trio of Kim Seung-seop, Kang Sang-yoon, and Lee Dong-jun. The midfield duo of Kim Jin-kyu and Oberdan provided balance, while the defensive line comprised Kim Tae-hyun, Kim Young-bin, Jo Wi-je, and Kim Tae-hwan, with Song Bum-keun in goal. Coach Jeong Jeong-yong showed faith in the same starting eleven that had drawn 0-0 with Gwangju in the previous round, keeping Motta and Lee Seung-woo as impact options on the bench.
Anyang, managed by Yoo Byung-hoon, countered with a 3-4-3 setup. The attacking trio featured Kim Bo-kyung, Kim Woon, and Ailton, with Han Garam and Lee Jin-yong anchoring the midfield. Wingbacks Kim Dong-jin and Kang Ji-hoon provided width, while Thomas, Kim Young-chan, and Kim Ji-hoon formed the back three ahead of goalkeeper Kim Jeong-hoon. Coach Yoo acknowledged the challenges of a tight schedule and a mounting injury list but remained optimistic about his squad’s depth and tactical flexibility. "It wasn’t easy to prepare for Jeonbuk after the trip to Gangneung, especially with injuries, but the players who trained hard in winter camp are ready to prove themselves," Yoo said before the match.
Jeonbuk wasted little time asserting themselves. In just the 10th minute, Kim Jin-kyu whipped in an early cross from the right. Tiago met it with a right-footed volley that crashed off the post, ricocheted off goalkeeper Kim Jeong-hoon’s back, and spun into the net. It was officially recorded as an own goal, but the home fans erupted—the pressure was already paying off.
The hosts thought they had doubled their lead just nine minutes later, when Lee Dong-jun found the back of the net. However, the assistant referee’s flag went up for offside, and the goal was chalked off. The near-miss seemed to galvanize Anyang, who pressed forward with renewed intent. Their reward came in the 26th minute: Kim Bo-kyung, lively throughout, slipped a clever pass to Kim Woon inside the box. Kim Woon swiveled and fired a right-footed shot past Song Bum-keun, leveling the score and notching his first K League 1 goal. The contest was back on even terms.
Jeonbuk kept probing. At the half-hour mark, Lee Dong-jun unleashed a left-footed drive that forced a sharp save from Kim Jeong-hoon. The first half was an open, end-to-end affair, with three minutes of added time not enough for either side to break the deadlock. The teams went into the break tied at 1-1, both knowing the next goal could be decisive.
Seeking a spark, Jeonbuk’s Jeong Jeong-yong turned to his bench at halftime, swapping Kim Seung-seop for the dynamic Lee Seung-woo. The change was more than tactical—it was a statement of intent. Lee’s agility and creativity immediately gave Jeonbuk a different look in attack, unsettling Anyang’s defense with quick touches and incisive movement in tight spaces.
Anyang, for their part, made three substitutions of their own in the second half, introducing Mateus, Choi Gyu-hyun, and Choi Geon-ju to inject fresh legs and tactical flexibility. Coach Yoo’s strategy was clear: maintain aggressive pressing and look to exploit any signs of fatigue in Jeonbuk’s ranks. "We will keep a high block longer to disrupt Jeonbuk’s preferred play," Yoo explained, emphasizing the importance of disrupting the hosts’ rhythm.
As the second half wore on, the match grew increasingly tense, with both teams committing frequent fouls and neither able to seize control. In the 68th minute, Jeonbuk nearly reclaimed the lead. Kim Jin-kyu’s free kick found Lee Dong-jun, whose shot was deflected onto the crossbar—a heart-stopping moment for both sets of fans.
With time running out, Jeonbuk’s persistence finally paid off. In the 86th minute, Lee Seung-woo picked up the ball near the edge of the box and embarked on a mesmerizing solo run, weaving past three or four defenders. His shot was parried by Kim Jeong-hoon, but Motta—brought on as a substitute earlier in the half—was perfectly positioned to slot home the rebound. The stadium erupted as Motta celebrated against his former club, and Jeonbuk’s bench poured onto the touchline in relief and jubilation.
Anyang pressed desperately during the six minutes of added time, but Jeonbuk’s defense held firm, repelling a series of crosses and set pieces. The final whistle brought scenes of celebration for the home side, who had finally secured their first league win of the season, moving up to sixth place with five points. Anyang, meanwhile, tasted defeat for the first time in 2026 and dropped to seventh, also with five points.
Coach Jeong Jeong-yong praised his players’ resilience and highlighted the impact of his substitutes, especially Lee Seung-woo and Motta. "I told the players to stay confident and focused, and I asked Motta for a goal—he delivered," Jeong said after the match. For Anyang, coach Yoo Byung-hoon was philosophical, focusing on the positives and the need to stick to their game plan despite the setback.
The result marks a turning point for Jeonbuk, who can now look ahead with renewed optimism. With their first win secured, the defending champions have signaled their intent to climb back into title contention. For Anyang, the challenge will be to regroup and rediscover their early-season form in the rounds ahead. In a league as competitive as K League 1, every point matters—and on this night in Jeonju, Jeonbuk showed they’re not ready to relinquish their crown just yet.