Daegu FC and Pohang Steelers faced off on March 1, 2025, at Pohang Steel Yard, resulting in a goalless draw. Both teams showcased their skills throughout the 90 minutes, but neither could find the back of the net, leaving them to settle for one point each. This match marked the end of Pohang's losing streak and allowed Daegu to maintain their unbeaten streak, as they remain at the top of the K League standings.
From the outset, the home team, Pohang, deployed a 4-4-2 formation with top strikers Jo Jae-hun and Lee Ho-jae leading the line. Supporting them were side midfielders Hong Yoon-sang and Juninho, along with Obeid and Han Chan-hee commanding the midfield. The back four comprised Lee Tae-seok, Jeon Min-kwang, Lee Dong-hee, and Shin Kwang-hoon, with goalkeeper Hwang Jin-jae guarding the net.
On the other hand, Daegu FC lined up in a 4-3-3 formation featuring Jeong Jae-sang at the forefront alongside Baek Se-jin and Han Jong-moo. The midfield trio included Ramas and Sejingya, with Yoshino positioned as the defensive midfielder. The defense consisted of Jeong Woo-jae, Caio, Park Jin-young, and Hwang Jae-won, with Oh Seung-hoon as the goalkeeper.
The first half saw both teams engage vigorously in midfield battles, yet clear scoring opportunities were scarce. Only moments after the match commenced, Daegu's Sejingya received a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pohang's Juninho.
Despite the flurry of action, the score remained 0-0 at halftime. The game continued with high tension as both teams exchanged chances. After the break, Pohang made substitutions intending to revitalize their attack. Jo Jae-hun was replaced by Jorge, and Daegu switched out Park Se-jin and Jeong Woo-jae for Ko Jae-hyun and Jang Seong-won, hoping to escalate their offensive efforts.
Moments later, the match took another twist; Pohang's Lee Tae-seok appeared to have scored after penetrating the Daegu defense, but the goal was disallowed for offside after VAR confirmation.
Daegu responded by adjusting players, bringing on changes to regain momentum. Unfortunately for Daegu, Han Jong-moo later sustained an injury and was substituted out for Kwon Tae-young, marking yet another challenge for the squad.
More urgency came from Pohang as they rotated their squad, substituting Han Chan-hee for Kim Jong-woo and Juninho for Kim Insung, trying fervently for the win as the clock wound down. The teams faced off with increasing intensity as the stakes of the rivalry rose, drawn from the heightened competitive nature of the K League.
Despite being the more aggressive squad, Ponhang just couldn't seem to penetrate Daegu's defenses, often struggling to finalize their attacks, leading to missed chances and frustration. Daegu's defense displayed solid organization and resilience, thwarting multiple approaches from their rivals.
The referee added six minutes of stoppage time, granting both teams one last opportunity to snatch victory, yet time ran out. The match concluded with neither side finding success on the scoreboard, leading to palpable disappointment from players and supporters alike.
This clash encapsulated the fierce rivalry of the K League and left both fan bases yearning for more action. For Pohang, it was both relief and regret, having broken their losing streak yet knowing they missed out on significant scoring chances. On the flip side, Daegu continued their unbeaten run but left wanting more from their offensive displays. The result reiterated the competitive spirit prevalent within the K League, sending both teams back to the drawing board as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.