'Failed to Break the Curse': Anyang Draws 1-1 with Jeonbuk... Kim Woon Opens Scoring, Thiago Scores Late Equalizer [Anyang Match Report]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

A historic victory over their nemesis slipped away at the last moment. FC Anyang fell to a dramatic late goal from Jeonbuk Hyundai, narrowly missing out on a first win they had all but secured.

In their home match for Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 33 held at Anyang General Sports Complex on the 24th, Anyang took the lead with an early goal from Kim Woon in stoppage time of the first half, but conceded a dramatic equalizer to Thiago in stoppage time of the second half, ending in a 1-1 draw.

As a result, Anyang was left with a draw, unable to break their winless streak against Jeonbuk (two draws and four losses all-time) since their promotion to K League 1.

Home side Anyang deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Kim Woon led the line as the lone striker, while Yukiichi, Choi Geon-ju, and Matheus formed the second tier. The midfield was anchored by Kim Jung-hyun and Knezevic, and Kang Ji-hoon, Kim Young-chan, Kwon Kyung-won, and Kim Dong-jin established a back four. Kim Jung-hoon donned the goalkeeper's gloves.

Visiting side Jeonbuk countered with a 4-3-3 formation. Italo, Thiago, and Lee Dong-jun formed the front three, while Kang Sang-yoon, Lee Young-jae, and Gamboa started in midfield. Choi Woo-jin, Kim Young-bin, Park Ji-su, and Lee Sang-myung handled defense, with Song Beom-geun guarding the goal.

The first half unfolded as a fierce battle. Both teams' defensive lines employed physical, no-holds-barred defending, making it difficult for either side to easily produce shots or crosses. Jeonbuk appeared to have seized a golden opportunity when Choi Woo-jin won a penalty kick in the 18th minute of the first half, but after video assistant referee (VAR) review, the call was corrected to a free kick from outside the penalty box, leaving them with a bitter disappointment.

The balance was broken by Anyang's strike in stoppage time of the first half. Kim Woon, surging forward, connected with Matheus' exquisite through ball with a right-footed shot. The ball struck perfectly off Kim Woon's right foot and pierced the upper part of the left goal.

Trailing 0-1, Jeonbuk made an immediate change at the start of the second half, substituting Lee Dong-jun for Lee Seung-woo to inject new energy into their attack. The newly introduced Lee Seung-woo sought a breakthrough by winning a free kick from a central position in the 15th minute of the second half.

Anyang's goal remained stubbornly shut. Jeonbuk pulled on the reins of pursuit in the 17th minute of the second half, simultaneously bringing on Hwang Seung-jun and Kim Jin-gyu for Lee Sang-myung and Lee Young-jae.

Anyang did not back down and responded in kind. In the 26th minute of the second half, Anyang brought on Chae Hyun-woo and Danny Barker for Choi Geon-ju and Kim Jung-hyun to bolster their mobility. In response, Jeonbuk played a trump card in the 28th minute of the second half, replacing midfielder Gamboa with striker Compagno.

As the seesaw battle continued, Anyang called off Kim Woon, who had scored the opening goal, and brought on Blaze in the 36th minute of the second half. In the 41st minute of the second half, Anyang faced a decisive chance to seal the win with a numerical advantage on the counterattack, but Blaze's consecutive shots were repeatedly saved by Jeonbuk goalkeeper Song Beom-geun.

Anyang immediately brought on Kim Jae-hyun and Kim Ji-hoon for Yukiichi and Matheus, shifting into a defensive stance to secure the lead.

In stoppage time of the second half, Jeonbuk finally restored parity. Thiago, who had persistently probed the goal area, saw the ball deflect off his body during a surge and roll into Anyang's net. The goal was ultimately confirmed after VAR review.

Jeonbuk shook the net once more. Compagno pushed in the ball that had rebounded off the goalkeeper. The referee's initial decision was a pushing foul by Jeonbuk. After an on-field review, the referee upheld the original decision, stating that "Thiago's pushing foul occurred before the goal." The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original