On March 1, 2025, the Pohang Steelers faced Daegu FC at the Pohang Steel Yard for their Season Opening Match in the K League, resulting in a scoreless draw. Despite both teams showing their potential, neither could find the back of the net, marking the third consecutive game without defeat for Daegu FC.
After two tough losses to start the season, the Steelers were desperate to turn things around and regain momentum. Star player Lee Tae-seok narrowly missed scoring early on during the match, with his shot deemed offside via video review. This moment encapsulated the frustration for Pohang, who had been struggling to convert chances throughout the previous matches.
Daegu FC, coming off two wins, entered the game with high spirits. Defender Jung Woo-jae, who returned to the club after six years, expressed his joy at being back, echoing the sentiment of comfort and familiarity within the team. "Returning to Daegu feels like coming home. It’s good to be back, and I feel comfortable here," Jung said. With his leadership experience, he aims to help fellow players settle and perform well on the field.
While Daegu FC was maintaining pressure early, Pohang tried to assert themselves offensively, taking several close attempts at goal. Unfortunately, their finishing touch was lacking. "Everyone thought we would convert more of these chances, and I believed the first goal would come for us too," Lee Tae-seok commented after the match. Having missed the chance to score, he remained optimistic about future outings.
The game was also pivotal for Daegu's young talents, who are quickly gaining recognition for their contributions. Coach Lee saw promise in their performance, even if they were held to a draw. "The league is young, and we have to stay focused. Each match is important to build on this positive spirit," Lee noted during the post-match analysis.
For Pohang's head coach Park Tae-ha, the situation appeared dire after the team dropped points again. "We faced difficulties right from the start, but today was about stopping the rot. We needed at least one point to restore some confidence," he reflected. Fans have been increasingly vocal about their expectations and frustrations under his management. This match presented them with slight hope after previously losing five consecutive matches, which included earlier league encounters and Asian Champions League games.
Despite the lack of goals, the match featured some thrilling moments, especially defensively, where both goalkeepers, Daegu's Oh Seung-hoon and Pohang’s Kim Jin-sung, made several key saves to maintain the deadlock. The defensive formations from both teams proved hard to break down, showcasing their commitment to securing at least a point.
Ending the match, both teams reflected on their performances, knowing they had avoided defeat, which was especially important at this early stage of the K League season. With Daegu at the ledge of strong performance and Pohang hoping to bounce back, the atmosphere was charged with expectations for the upcoming fixtures. The league continues, and the next few matches will be decisive for both clubs as they look to establish their positions within the standings.
Looking forward to the next round, Daegu FC remains at the top of the table, with 7 points after winning two and drawing one. For their next encounter, they will travel to Jeonju to face Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, hoping to keep their unbeaten run intact. Pohang, on the other hand, prepares to face the same rivals, ready to turn around their luck and start gathering points for the season.