FC Seoul kicked off their 2025 K League1 season with a thrilling 2-1 victory over FC Anyang, drawing over 40,000 spectators to the Seoul World Cup Stadium on February 22. This match marked the first league meeting between the two teams since Anyang's promotion from K League 2, and the anticipation was palpable, driven by the historical tension rooted in the teams’ geographical and political rivalry.
During the pre-match media day, the sentiments of competition were already at the forefront, with Anyang manager Yoo Byung-hoon and Seoul manager Kim Ki-dong exchanging playful jibes about 'relocation' and 'return' as they discussed their teams' complicated past. FC Seoul had emerged from the ashes of the LG Cheetahs, which moved to Seoul due to shared regional governance policies, leaving Anyang fans feeling betrayed. This historical backdrop heightened the stakes for the match.
The excitement for the game reached such heights, fans purchased more than 35,000 tickets, and the stadium was filled with the vibrant energy typically reserved for high-stakes derbies. The home crowd displayed massive sections of black and red, celebrating their team’s identity with vivid card sections signifying their rich history, dating back to the establishment of their predecessor club.
The atmosphere intensified when, just two minutes after the break, Jesse Lingard scored the opener for Seoul with what he called "a fortunate goal." The ball bounced awkwardly off defenders before finding its way to the top left corner of the net, igniting Seoul’s fanbase. Lingard, who previously faced tough crowds during his time at Manchester United, feasted on the energy around him, rallying support through enthusiastic gestures after his goal.
Seoul continued to dominate, doubling their advantage with Lucas’s exquisite volley in the 78th minute. After receiving Lingard’s setup, Lucas expertly curled the ball past Anyang’s goalkeeper, reinforcing the already festive atmosphere among Seoul fans. The team employed its 4-2-3-1 formation effectively, feeding off the electric support from the stands.
Even as FC Anyang faced increasing pressure, they found hope when Choi Sung-beom scored late, taking advantage of defensive errors to bring the score to 2-1. This moment sparked brief energy among Anyang supporters, reminding everyone of the fierce competitive spirit of the derby. Although Anyang fell short, they took pride in scoring their first-ever goal against Seoul, marking it as a historical milestone for their club.
Throughout the match, the defensive strategies were on display from both sides, as Anyang labored to neutralize Seoul’s offensive play. Seoul's goalkeeper Kang Hyun-moo was kept busy throughout the match, showcasing agile saves to maintain their lead amid Anyang's spirited attacks. Meanwhile, Anyang effectively pressed forward, demonstrating their resilience and determination at every turn, especially during set-pieces and counter-attacks.
The match concluded with FC Seoul coming away with three points, providing them much-needed momentum after their earlier defeat to Jeju United. Lingard, who earned the MVP title for his contributions, reflected on the importance of teamwork and concentration, observing, “We’re happy with the win, but I emphasized to the players to not get overly immersed in the rivalry. Every match counts, but derbies do have their unique intensity.”
This match not only served as a competitive battleground but also as a platform for both teams’ histories to play out, with the gathered crowd reminding everyone of why rivalries matter, how they engage communities, and how they drive teams to perform with passion. The success of the match was also underscored by its high attendance figure, recorded at 41,415, ranking it among the K League’s top draws.
Despite safety concerns due to the electric atmosphere, the match concluded peacefully, with fans and players alike safely exiting the stadium, showcasing the positive aspects of sports culture. This derby between Seoul and Anyang is poised to become one of the highlights of the K League season, igniting passions and bringing communities together.