Gwangju FC managed to add one valuable point on March 16, 2025, by drawing 0-0 against Gimcheon Sangmu at the Gimcheon Sports Complex during the 5th round of the K League 1 2025 season. Despite coming off the thrilling Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite (ACLE) match against Vissel Kobe just four days prior, where Gwangju secured their place in the quarter-finals with a stunning aggregate win of 3-2, the team displayed impressive resilience and organizational strength throughout the match.
Gwangju fielded a 4-4-2 formation, with Park Jin-hyuk and Shin Chang-moo leading the attack. The midfield consisted of Moon Min-seo and Park Tae-jun, supported by Heithers and Assani on the wings. The defense featured Cho Sung-kwon and Ahn Young-gyu as central defenders, with Kim Han-gil and Kim Jin-ho serving as fullbacks, and Kim Kyung-min guarding the goal.
Gimcheon deployed the same 4-4-2 formation, placing Yu Kang-hyun and Lee Dong-kyung on the frontline, backed by Kim Seung-seok, Seo Min-woo, Kim Bong-soo, and Mo Jae-hyun in midfield. The defensive line included Park Chan-yong, Park Seung-wook, Choi Ye-hoon, and Park Soo-il, with goalkeeper Kim Dong-heon. This match marked Gimcheon’s home opener of the season, having previously played the first four matches on the road.
The first half exhibited intense back-and-forth action with both teams sending early warning shots. Gimcheon’s Lee Dong-kyung had the first opportunity to score with a powerful long-range shot just 11 minutes in. Gwangju responded quickly with Park Tae-jun’s effort, which narrowly missed the target. Gimcheon continued to press, with Mo Jae-hyun attempting to convert Kim Seung-seok's cross with his head at the 27-minute mark.
Entering the second half, Gwangju’s coach Lee Jung-hyo made tactical substitutions, introducing Joo Se-jong and Choi Kyung-rok shortly after the restart, replacing Moon Min-seo and Shin Chang-moo. Gimcheon’s coach Jeong Jeong-yong followed suit, bringing on Cho Hyun-taek for Choi Ye-hoon.
Despite the fatigue evident from Gwangju’s busy schedule, they put up formidable defenses. Kim Kyung-min, the Gwangju goalkeeper, showcased three exceptional saves, including stopping Lee Dong-kyung’s strong non-stop shot and another powerful effort from Park Soo-il.
Gwangju's 9th-minute attempt by Assani was off-target, adding to the team’s struggle to break the deadlock. The match was filled with missed chances from both sides as they struggled for precious points.
Commenting post-match, Coach Lee praised his players for demonstrating such resilience under challenging conditions. “We came to the away game after playing extra time against Kobe. I want to praise the players for doing their best and earning this valuable point,” he stated. “It’s definitely becoming stronger. The players are doing their best for the team without complaints on the field, creating team culture,” he noted.
The Gwangju FC coach also acknowledged the fans who braved the cold weather to support the team. “Our fans are great, and I’m grateful for their dedication,” he added. This match left Gwangju with 1 win and 3 draws, totaling 6 points, ensuring they remain undefeated after four league matches this season.
Meanwhile, Gimcheon, who also did not score, sustains their solid form with 8 points from 5 league matches, having recorded 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. Post this match, both teams would enter the March A match break, reflecting on their strong yet challenging start to the season.