'One win is truly difficult' Cheongju FC remains winless in 10 matches... 'Foreign manager showdown' ends in 0-0 draw with Paju FC [Paju On-Site Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

The highly anticipated showdown between foreign managers ended without a winner.

Cheongju FC drew 0-0 against Paju FC in an away match at Paju Stadium on the 3rd, part of the 10th round of the Hana Bank K League 2 2026.

Cheongju FC was desperate for a victory, as they had yet to secure their first win of the 2026 season. Before the match, manager Louis Quintana addressed the prolonged winless streak, stating, "The most important point I emphasize to the players is that we must have faith in the football we are playing. I constantly stress that they must enter the field with trust and confidence." He added, "As I always say, 'It doesn't rain in one place forever. The sun will always rise. We must wait for the moment the sun rises. And when it does, even better results will unfold.'"

However, Cheongju FC failed to secure their first win again this time. Despite attempting the most shots in K League 2 through the 9th round (122 attempts), Cheongju FC managed only 8 total shots and 4 on target against Paju FC. The expected goals never materialized. This season, Cheongju FC sits in 13th place with 8 draws and 2 losses (8 points).

The 'newly formed team' Paju FC secured their first draw. With this result, Paju FC's record stands at 4 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses (13 points). Their league position remains 8th.

Until now, Paju FC had not recorded a single draw, though it was not intentional. Before the match, Paju FC manager Gerard Nuss said, "We always aim to win. There have been games we won, games we lost, and games we could have drawn. Our goal for this match was also to win unconditionally."

This match was also highly anticipated as a 'showdown between foreign managers.' Manager Quintana is Cheongju FC's first-ever foreign manager, with an impressive coaching resume. He previously served as senior coach at Flamengo, a Brazilian powerhouse, and FC Porto, a 'big club' representing the Portuguese league. Notably, during his tenure as senior coach at Porto, he contributed to back-to-back league titles in the 2011–2013 seasons and two Super Cup victories. Before the match, managers Gerard and Quintana embraced each other, showcasing their friendship.

Manager Gerard, Paju FC's first-ever foreign manager, is Spanish. He previously coached at Liverpool's youth academy and served as senior coach for the Greece national team from 2022 to 2024. He also gained K League experience as a coach at Jeonnam Dragons.

Unexpected rain began falling just before the match, creating an additional variable. Paju FC took early control of the game's momentum. In the 5th minute of the first half, Paju's Luke controlled the ball inside the penalty area but failed to trap it properly. His late shot was blocked by the opposing defense. In the 30th minute, Choi Beom-kyung's shot from a set free-kick was also stopped by Cheongju FC's defense.

Cheongju FC quickly made substitutions to change the momentum. In the 32nd minute of the first half, Min Ji-hoon was replaced by Jung Jin-woo. However, Lee Jong-eon's subsequent shot did not find the net.

The second half followed a similar pattern. In the 6th minute of the second half, Luke was fouled inside the penalty area, but the referee ruled 'no foul.' Cheongju FC then launched a counterattack. In the 8th minute, Jung Jin-woo unleashed a powerful long-range shot, but Paju FC goalkeeper Kim Min-seung stretched out to make the save. On the following corner kick, Lee Jong-eon attempted a header, but it also went wide of the goal.

Both teams continued to strive for the opening goal. However, the slippery pitch led to a lack of accuracy. In the 33rd minute of the second half, Paju FC forward Borja dove toward a deflected ball after hitting a defender, but despite his determination, the ball did not reach his foot. One minute later, Choi Beom-kyung's long-range shot also failed to penetrate Cheongju FC's physical defense. Ultimately, the match ended in a 0-0 draw.

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*This content was translated by AI.