AFC Champions League Matchday One: How K League Teams Approached the Kickoff

Daejeon Hana Citizen Sets the Tone with Victory Over Kyoto Sanga

After a 23-year absence, Daejeon Hana Citizen made a strong return to the AFC Champions League by defeating Kyoto Sanga 1-0 at home. Coach Hwang Sun-hong fielded his strongest lineup, showing the club's commitment to the competition. Despite early nerves and a disallowed goal by Gustav Ludwigson, Daejeon took control in the second half. Victor Bobsin scored the decisive goal with an impressive strike from outside the box, marking his third goal in as many matches.

Kang Yoon-seong, Daejeon's defender, expressed how the experience motivated the team: "Playing in the ACLE for the first time, I really got a taste of it. It made me want to be in it again next year. We can’t qualify with our current league position, so we need to improve. The players are all clearly aware of this. This match will encourage others to aim for the ACLE next season."

Manager Hwang Sun-hong reflected on the game's pace and tactical lessons: "The speed and pressing intensity from J.League teams is outstanding. If we can't keep up, Korean football won’t progress. We need to manage games more proactively. Even when controlling the game, we lacked finesse and composure in attack. The difference in tempo needs attention."

Pohang Steelers Rotate Squad, Face Defeat Against Beijing FC

Pohang Steelers took a cautious approach to their first ACL Elite match, rotating their entire starting eleven from their previous league game. Their trip to Beijing resulted in a 3-1 loss. Coach Park Tae-ha explained the decision was influenced by a congested schedule, focusing on players with fewer minutes recently.

Park said, "We prepared aiming to win, but had to consider players’ physical condition. Mistakes early in the game disrupted our plan. This was only our first game; we'll work on improvements back home. Football doesn't end after one match. Players need to learn from errors and focus on the next challenge."

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors Earn Win with Determined Comeback

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors showed grit to claim a 2-1 victory over Kashiwa Reysol at home. Falling behind in the first half through Kenshin Yuba’s strike, Jeonbuk equalized early in the second half thanks to Tiago Orobo’s header. Italo sealed the win with a goal in the 69th minute. This marked Jeonbuk’s first ACLE match since March 2024 and their first win since February 2024. With the Korea Cup and league title hopes dashed, the AFC Champions League offers a chance for pride under coach Chung Jung-yong.

FC Seoul Prioritizes Youth Development in AFC Champions League Two

FC Seoul, competing in AFC Champions League Two despite finishing sixth in the previous K League season, treated the tournament as an opportunity to develop young talent. Manager Kim Gi-dong gave playing time to fringe players and newcomers, including debutants Shin Ji-seop (18), Ko Pil-gwan (19), and Kim Min-jun (23). Also notable was the return of Lee Sang-min, who made his first appearance in three years after a long injury struggle.

Gangwon FC Field Young Squad in Draw with Kitchee SC

Gangwon FC, relegated to ACL Two after a playoff defeat last year, opted to field a blend of younger and less-experienced players for their Group H opener against Hong Kong’s Kitchee SC. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, but Gangwon set a club record by debuting right back Choi Jae-hyeok at just 16 years and 10 months old.

• Club Debuts: Centre back Kang Seong-yun (23)
• First Starts & Full Matches: Centre back Ko Eun-seok (21)
• Other First Starts: Left back Lee Hyo-bin (19), midfielder Lee Yong-jae (18), attacking midfielder Choi Ji-nam (19), striker Yoo Byung-heon (20)