Gwangju FC Defeats FC Seoul To Secure Second Place

Gwangju FC continues to make waves in the K League 1, as they overcame FC Seoul with a 2-1 victory on April 19, 2025, at Seoul World Cup Stadium. This win marks Gwangju's fifth consecutive victory against Seoul, solidifying their position as a formidable opponent in the league.

Under the guidance of coach Lee Jung-hyo, Gwangju has shown remarkable resilience and tactical prowess. The match was part of the 10th round of the Hana Bank K League 1 2025, and with this victory, Gwangju climbed to second place in the standings, now holding 16 points from four wins, four draws, and two losses. They trail only behind Daejeon Hana Citizen, who sits at the top with 20 points.

The match kicked off in chilly conditions, with a strong wind advisory in effect. Despite this, 19,234 passionate fans filled the stands, providing a lively atmosphere. The crowd was treated to an exciting match as Gwangju took control late in the first half.

Gwangju's opening goal came in the 42nd minute when Heis capitalized on a scramble in the penalty area, unleashing a left-footed shot that found the back of the net. FC Seoul's goalkeeper, Kang Hyun-moo, managed to get a hand on the ball but was unable to prevent it from crossing the line, putting Gwangju ahead 1-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Gwangju maintained their momentum. Just three minutes after the restart, Park Tae-joon doubled the lead for Gwangju in the 63rd minute. After receiving a pass from Oh Hu-sung, he skillfully trapped the ball with his chest before firing a right-footed shot that beat the Seoul defense. This goal put Gwangju in a commanding position.

However, Seoul was not ready to concede defeat. In the 78th minute, they found a glimmer of hope when Rincard scored a consolation goal, dribbling past Gwangju's goalkeeper Kim Kyung-min to bring the score to 2-1. This goal sparked a late surge from Seoul, who pressed hard for an equalizer.

Despite their efforts, including several attempts on goal, Seoul could not find the back of the net again. Gwangju's defense held strong, and they managed to see out the match, securing a crucial victory as they prepare for their upcoming AFC Champions League (ACLE) quarterfinal against a team from Saudi Arabia.

After the match, Coach Lee Jung-hyo expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance. "I think we gained a lot of energy from our fans and players. I'm happy that the players were able to bring home the victory despite difficult circumstances. This win will be a great boost for us as we head to Saudi Arabia," he stated.

Lee also addressed concerns regarding An Young-gyu, who suffered an injury during the match. "He injured his ribs, and we will need to conduct thorough examinations to assess the situation," he added.

Reflecting on the match, Lee emphasized the importance of continuous growth and learning. "As professionals, we need to train every day and grow with each game. I hope our performance inspires underdogs to believe in themselves and take risks in their games. Just try it, I tell them," he remarked.

Park Tae-joon, who scored the second goal, received praise from Lee for his versatility and commitment to the team. "I worry about him getting injured because he contributes so much in various positions. He’s eager to learn, and I appreciate his efforts. It's unfortunate that he has to go to the military soon," Lee said.

As Gwangju prepares to fly out to Saudi Arabia on April 20, they carry the momentum of this victory with them. Lee encouraged fans to continue their support, stating, "We need your support to compete against great teams and famous players in Saudi Arabia. Please pay attention to our players and cheer for us. This victory is crucial as we head into a challenging phase of our season."

With their sights set on the ACLE, Gwangju is determined to build on their recent successes. Lee concluded by expressing his aspirations for the team, saying, "The players seem to have changed their mindset. They want to compete in the ACLE again, and if we win, we can return. Based on our experiences against Japanese and Chinese teams, we are starting to dream of reaching new heights and fulfilling the dream of overseas expansion."

In contrast, FC Seoul is left to reflect on their performance after suffering their fifth consecutive defeat to Gwangju. Coach Kim Ki-dong, who has faced criticism for the team's struggles against Gwangju, acknowledged the need for improvement. "It’s true that losing to Gwangju is frustrating. We want to show a different side this year compared to last," he stated.

As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their respective experiences. Gwangju aims to maintain their upward trajectory, while Seoul seeks to regroup and find their form as they navigate the challenges ahead in the K League 1.