FC Seoul emerged victorious against FC Anyang with a 2-1 scoreline during their home match at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on February 22, 2025, marking their first win of the season.
After losing their opening match against Jeju SK, expectations for FC Seoul were high as they welcomed Anyang, who had just defeated the reigning champions, Ulsan HD. The match began with palpable tension, heightened by the historical rivalry between the two clubs over their respective home bases.
The match started off with both teams catching their breath, with the first half closing at 0-0. But just two minutes after the second half began, the game's complexion changed dramatically when FC Seoul's captain, Jesse Lingard, scored the opener. Lingard capitalized on the chaotic aftermath of teammate Jeong Seung-won falling to the ground after colliding with the opposition, expertly redirecting the loose ball after it ricocheted off defenders to find the net.
Lingard didn't stop there. He continued to play a pivotal role by orchestrally assisting another goal for FC Seoul. At the 79th minute mark, following a corner kick, Lingard delivered a cross from the right side of the field. The chaos inside the box saw Yazgan drop the ball perfectly for Lukas, who adeptly volleyed it home, doubling FC Seoul's lead to 2-0.
Despite the apparent advantage, FC Seoul encountered some late-game hurdles. A defensive error late in the match saw Anyang's Choi Seong-bum score, shrinking the lead to 2-1 within the final moments of the game. Nonetheless, FC Seoul held onto their narrow advantage, securing the much-needed home win.
This match represented not just another game-winning moment but also the charged historical backdrop between the two teams. The rivalry dates back to the early 2000s, when FC Seoul's predecessor, LG Cheetahs, was based at Dongdaemun Stadium. After the 2002 World Cup, the necessity for professional soccer within Seoul grew, leading to the establishment of FC Seoul, which then sparked tension with Anyang fans who felt robbed of their home team.
Fans from both sides bring their histories every time they play, with Anyang supporters often chanting slogans decrying FC Seoul’s inception as unjust, posing claims and counterclaims about their rightful home grounds.
The high stakes of this derby produced thrilling drama both on and off the pitch, with 41,415 enthusiastic fans filling the stands, matching the atmosphere typically reserved for international matches. The energy of the crowd mirrored the intensity of the contest, underscoring the significance of this rivalry.
While FC Seoul celebrated their victory, Anyang would leave with lessons learned as they aim to regroup after strong performances, including their shocking win against Seoul's arch-nemesis, the reigning champions from Ulsan H.D.
FC Seoul's coach expressed pride following the victory, noting Lingard's exceptional contributions and emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum as the season progresses.
This thrilling encounter serves as just one chapter of the long-standing rivalry between FC Seoul and Anyang, promising even more exciting matchups as the K League season continues to unfurl.