'Kim Young-chan's persistent equalizer → Lee Jin-yong's priceless comeback goal' Anyang defeats Jeju 2-1 in 'revenge match'... Club achieves historic first-ever 'Korea Cup Round of 8' [Anyang On-Site Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

FC Anyang achieved revenge in a return match against JejuSK just four days later, while also making history by advancing to the Korea Cup Round of 8 for the first time in club history.

On the 19th at 7:30 p.m., Anyang defeated Jeju 2-1 in their home match of the '2026~2027 Hana Bank Korea Cup' Round of 16 held at Anyang Stadium.

After losing to Jeju in a K League 1 Round 23 matchup on the 15th, Anyang secured victory in the return match just four days later. Moreover, the club advanced to the Korea Cup Round of 8 for the first time in its history.

Both teams deployed rotation strategies. Home side Anyang utilized a 4-4-3 formation: Cha Hyun-woo, Blaze, and Ailton formed the front three; Han Ga-ram, Kim Bo-kyung, and Lee Jin-yong comprised the second line; Kim Ji-hoon, Kim Young-chan, Kim Dong-jin, and Ju Hyun-woo lined up as defenders; and goalkeeper Kim Da-sol wore the gloves.

Visiting team Jeju countered with a 4-2-3-1 formation: Kim Shin-jin led as the lone striker, flanked by Choi Byung-wook and Shin Sang-eun on the wings; Park Chang-jun operated as an attacking midfielder, while Italio and Jang Min-gyu anchored the midfield; defenders Jo In-jeong, Kim Jae-woo, Kwon Ki-min, and Park Min-jae formed the back four; and goalkeeper Heo Ja-ung guarded the goal.

Following an initial period of probing exchanges, Jeju registered the match's first shot in the 11th minute. Shin Sang-eun received a forward pass from a teammate, penetrated to the right side of the penalty area, and struck with his left foot, but the shot was blocked by a defender's tackle.

Anyang also launched a counterattack. In the 17th minute, Blaze leaped high to connect with a cross delivered by Kim Dong-jin from the left flank via a header, but failed to make clean contact as the ball sailed high over the goal.

Both teams remained quiet through the latter half of the first period. Unlike their recent momentum where Jeju dominated play, they failed to break through Anyang's defense, while Anyang increased their activity and attempted attacks utilizing both flanks.

However, the opening goal belonged to Jeju. In the 31st minute, Shin Sang-eun penetrated deep into the box and quickly passed toward the center; the ball deflected off the goalkeeper before Choi Byung-wook slid it into the empty net to finish.

Desperate for an equalizer, Anyang pressed hard in the final minutes of the first half. In the 44th minute, Ailton charged from outside the box toward the center and curled a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Heo Ja-ung dove to parry it away. Two minutes later, Kim Young-chan surged forward to connect with a cross from Choi Eun-ho via a header, but the ball narrowly missed the left side of the goal.

The first half concluded with Jeju leading 1-0.

Anyang restored balance early in the second half by scoring an equalizer. In the 3rd minute of the second period, Italio accidentally headed a free kick aimed at the goal backward; Kim Young-chan then pushed it into the net with a header. Although there was controversy over offside, the goal was ultimately awarded.

Both sides exchanged chances once each. In the 11th minute of the second half, Jeju's Park Chang-gyun took a long-range free kick that narrowly missed the right side of the goal. One minute later, Cha Hyun-woo unleashed a surprise mid-range shot during a counterattack, but it went straight at the goalkeeper.

As the second half progressed into its middle stages, Jeju intensified their pressure. Ngeba, Park Chang-gyun, and Italio each took mid-range shots in succession, but none found the back of the net.

However, Anyang's decisive strike succeeded. In the 23rd minute of the second half, a comeback goal was scored: Choi Geon-ju controlled the ball inside the box, challenged a Jeju defender, and passed to the opposite side where Lee Jin-yong finished the play. This marked Lee Jin-yong's second professional career goal.

Momentum surged for Anyang as they pressed forward, but were thwarted by goalkeeper Heo Ja-ung's saves. In the 31st minute of the second half, Choi Hyun-woo delivered a cross from the right flank that Kim Woon connected with via a header, but Heo Ja-ung parried it away. Choi Hyun-woo then took a second shot at the loose ball, which Heo Ja-ung blocked again.

In the remaining time, Jeju fought hard to equalize, but no goal materialized, and the match concluded with a 2-1 victory for Anyang.

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*This content was translated by AI.