Jeju, Plunges into Final B in Season Finale... Coach Costa: "It Hurts All the More Because We Were So Close" [Incheon On-Site]

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Professional football K League 1 side Jeju SK dropped into the Final B group (lower split) in the final round of the regular season. They could have secured the last ticket to the Final A group (upper split) with just a draw, but a complete defeat against Incheon United sent them to Final B.

Jeju lost 1-3 to Incheon on the 24th at the Incheon Football Stadium in Round 33 of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 season. After conceding first in the second half and suffering a red card, Ngeba scored an equalizer, but Jeju allowed consecutive goals afterward to suffer the defeat.

With this loss, Jeju tied Incheon on points (46 points). However, trailing in total goals scored (Jeju 39 goals, Incheon 43 goals), they fell to seventh place. With the standings finalized at this point, dividing teams into Final A (1st-6th) and Final B (7th-12th), Jeju headed to Final B.

After the match, head coach Sergio Costa reflected on the game, stating, "Incheon's performance was better in the first half. They were superior in possession, movement, and overall performance. We did not show our usual intensity in the first half."

He continued, "We finished the first half 0-0 and approached the second half with a different mindset. After their first goal, we switched to a 4-4-2 formation, but a red card left us unfortunately at a numerical disadvantage," adding, "After the equalizer, we switched to a back five, but conceded from a corner kick situation."

He specifically expressed regret over the decisive goal allowed to Lee Chung-yong in stoppage time of the second half.

Head coach Sergio Costa added, "The third goal completely changed the game. In my view, I am confident that the ball went out and should have been our possession, but it was awarded as a throw-in to the opponent. We then conceded, and the match ended 1-3. The opponent deserved to win."

With this loss, Jeju dropped into Final B, but their survival is already secured even if they lose all remaining five matches in the final round.

Head coach Sergio Costa said, "It hurts that much because we were so close (to Final A)," while adding, "Compared to previous seasons, I think we have made tremendous progress. We fought by pushing our limits. I am proud of every member. The effort shown by the players, and their best efforts not only on the pitch but also at training grounds, are something to be proud of. I want to continue together next year as well."

He continued, "We must finish this season as well as possible. We must fight for three points in every match representing our team," adding, "I think playing the best matches we can during the remaining five games is the right approach."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original