Sydney FC etched their name in the history books by reaching the AFC Champions League Two semi-finals for the first time, following a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on Thursday night, March 13, 2025. This result secured a 5-2 aggregate win for the Sky Blues, transforming what seemed like impending defeat when they were 2-0 down at halftime.
Entering the second leg with confidence from their 2-0 aggregate lead, Sydney FC was soon shaken when Jeonbuk's Jeon Jin-woo struck twice before the break, leveling the tie on aggregate. The pressure mounted at Allianz Stadium as Jin-woo capitalized on defensive lapses, scoring first with a powerful shot from the edge of the box and then pouncing on a rebound to net his second goal just before halftime.
Despite the setback, Sydney FC goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares emerged as the team's savior early in the second half, executing a remarkable save to deny Jin-woo his hat-trick opportunity. This pivotal moment not only kept Sydney's hopes alive but also set the stage for the dramatic turnaround orchestrated by Brazilian star Douglas Costa.
Once the momentum shifted, Sydney FC capitalized on their renewed energy. It was Alex Grant who drew first blood for the home side, scoring his first goal for the club when he connected with Costa’s well-delivered free-kick, offering the Sky Blues their first goal of the night, and making it 3-2 on aggregate.
“I think it goes back to the old cliché, a game of two halves,” said Sydney FC coach Ufuk Talay, reflecting on the transformation of his team’s performance. “I wasn’t happy with our mental attitude in the first half. At halftime, we addressed it and made necessary adjustments. Once we returned to playing our way, we saw significant improvement.”
Boosted by Grant's goal, Sydney continued their charge. Patryk Klimala, who had previously been denied by VAR for offside, soon had his moment when he scored with a deft finish after receiving the ball from Costa, extending the aggregate score to 4-2.
But the night wasn't without drama for Sydney FC. Jeonbuk thought they had scored again through Ahn Hyeon-beom, only for the goal to be disallowed on account of offside, leaving them frustrated and unable to regain the advantage.
To seal the victory, Adrian Segecic was fouled inside the box, leading to another opportunity for Douglas Costa to step up. The Brazilian confidently slotted the penalty kick past Jeonbuk’s goalkeeper Kim Jeong-hoon, reinforcing Sydney FC's triumph and ensuring their place in the semi-finals.
“At the start, it was tough to adjust to the shape and intensity of the league, but our staff did a fantastic job managing my minutes,” Costa remarked after the match, acknowledging the challenges faced this season. “It was a long trip to Asia, but we scored many goals, and now we look forward to the next challenge.”
The semi-finals will see the Sky Blues take on Singapore’s Lion City Sailors, who advanced after defeating Sanfrecce Hiroshima 4-1 on aggregate. The match is set to take place on April 16, 2025. This milestone achievement not only marks Sydney FC's advancement within the tournament but also signifies their growth on the continental stage.
Fans at Allianz Stadium were treated to a rollercoaster of emotions, with highs and lows palpable throughout the match. The attendance of 7,039 supporters was rewarded with moments of brilliance and desperation, culminating in sheer jubilation as the final whistle confirmed the historic win.
The victory serves as a powerful reminder of Sydney FC's potential and determination. With confidence restored and key players like Costa back to form, the squad looks poised to make progress as they chase their dream of entering the final.