On February 22, 2025, FC Seoul and FC Anyang clashed at the Seoul World Cup Stadium for the Hana Bank K League 1 2025 Round 2, drawing around 40,000 fans eager for this significant local derby.
The atmosphere was electrifying as supporters from both teams filled the stands, with FC Seoul fans showcasing their pride through card sections declaring their founding year, 1983. The home opener was especially important for FC Seoul, which suffered disappointment in their first match of the season.
Before the match, FC Seoul's head coach Kim Gi-dong expressed his desire to give the home crowd the feeling of victory, stating, "I want to give our fans a victory for the home opener." Last season, they had begun at home with disappointment—a dull draw against their rivals, which only fueled their motivation to perform strongly this time.
On the other hand, FC Anyang, promoted to K League 1 after winning K League 2 last year, was facing FC Seoul for the first time since becoming rivals, heightening the stakes. Coach Yoo Byung-hoon highlighted the importance of this matchup, saying, "This match against Seoul is very special for our fans." Both coaches acknowledged the emotional weight of the game and its historic backdrop.
Coach Kim reflected on his previous match against Jeju United, where his team lost 0-2, and recognized the need for full focus, insisting on managing the players' emotions during the game effectively. "I was overconfident after last year, and I communicated with the players about returning to the challenger mindset," he said.
Yoo emphasized the importance of maintaining composure, stating, "We need to keep our composure and show our play, as this game means a lot to our supporters." He mentioned how FC Anyang’s identity has remained strong, underscoring their determination to compete without folding under pressure.
This match drew significant media attention, with about 50 reporters present. Yoo also remarked on the weather conditions, which could impact performance, noting, "Our team has a higher average age, and this chilly weather and hard pitch can affect our play. But we will overcome this with the passionate support of our fans who want to witness us triumph." He underscored the necessity of resilience and unity among the players, urging them to exemplify their fighting spirit.
With the kickoff approaching, analysts were quick to note the tactical changes both teams employed. FC Seoul’s revamped lineup aimed to assert dominance early on, with Kim recognizing the need for improved performance from their substitutes after the last game.
Despite the match being heavily anticipated due to the rivalry, both coaches sought to keep the focus on the game itself rather than letting the historic narratives overshadow it. Kim noted, "I would have been just as concerned if the opponent was different. Today’s focus is solely on winning our first home match."
Fans passionately cheered from the stands, echoing the sentiments of both teams—for FC Seoul, the weight of needing redemption after their last performance, and for FC Anyang, their quest to establish themselves firmly within the top tier of Korean football.
With kickoff, the match unfolded with intense energy, both teams battling not just for points, but for pride. Throughout the match, players on both sides exhibited determination. The explosive rivalry would serve as not just another game but as the foundation for future encounters, laying the groundwork for history between these two passionate clubs.
Leaving the stadium, fans expressed their fervent hope for the season—whether as supporters of FC Seoul seeking glory or FC Anyang fans showcasing their resilience and identity, everyone was invested in the outcome of this much-utopian contest.
With the final whistle, this match was destined to be remembered by both sets of fans, marking another chapter in the enduring soccer rivalry within the vibrant culture of South Korean football.