Kim Cheon Sangmu secured a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Jeju United on February 22, 2025, at the Jeju World Cup Stadium, marking their first win of the season after narrowly losing the previous match against Jeonbuk Hyundai.
The match was pivotal for both teams: Kim Cheon aimed to bounce back from their season-opening defeat, whereas Jeju United, coming off a strong 2-0 win against FC Seoul, sought to continue their momentum.
Jeju began with the upper hand, securing the lead with Lee Geon-hee’s header following Nam Tae-hee's cross at the 29-minute mark. This set the tone for what appeared to be Jeju's game, with their strategic 3-4-2-1 formation challenging Kim Cheon.
Kim Cheon, managed by Kim Jung-yeon, responded with urgency. They placed emphasis on attacking play, which paid off when Lee Dong-kyung struck early in the second half at the 49th minute, leveling the score at 1-1. Jeju fought back, regaining the lead just minutes later, as Yoo Insu managed to slip through Kim Cheon’s defense, scoring at the 57-minute mark.
Yet, Kim Cheon refused to back down. At the 62-minute, Park Sang-hyuk netted the equalizer for Kim Cheon against the backdrop of mounting tension from the Jeju crowd. The score stood at 2-2, giving Kim Cheon renewed hope and energy.
With time running out, the game was set for dramatic finish. Kim Cheon found their moment at the 89th minute when substitute Won Ki-jong capitalized on a deflected shot, seizing the opportunity to score the decisive goal. His left-footed strike sent the ball to the back of the net, igniting jubilation among the Kim Cheon fans.
Jeju tried to rally one last time but faced setbacks. Veteran defender Lim Chae-min was sent off during injury time after receiving two yellow cards, which hampered Jeju's chances of staging another comeback.
This defeat puts Jeju at 1 win and 1 loss for the season, leaving them disappointed after their early-season success. Coach Kim Hak-bum's reflections post-match expressed concern about their inability to maintain their form since the opening game.
Meanwhile, for Kim Cheon, this victory not only marked their first win of the season but also reinstated confidence after the initial setback against Jeonbuk. Coach Kim Jung-yeon praised his team’s determination and resilience, stating, "It was thrilling to come back and secure the win."
The implications of this match suggest promising developments for Kim Cheon as they look to build upon this victory moving forward. Jeju, on the other hand, needs to regroup and reassess strategies to regain their footing as the league progresses.
With the K League 1 season just beginning, both teams have plenty to play for, and fans can expect more high-energy matchups filled with passion and skill.