Insights from AFC Champions League Matchday One: K League Teams' Strategies

The AFC Champions League has resumed with a record number of K League clubs participating across both the Elite and Two tiers. Five teams from the K League showcased their strategies, ranging from motivation to squad rotation and fierce determination, in this opening round.

Daejeon Hana Citizen Uses ACL as Motivation

After a 23-year hiatus, Daejeon Hana Citizen began their campaign with a 1-0 home victory over Kyoto Sanga. Manager Hwang Sun-hong fielded his strongest lineup, signaling the importance placed on this tournament. Although the first half showed some nerves and sharper play from Kyoto Sanga, Daejeon took control in the second half. Victor Bobsin scored the match's only goal with a remarkable long-range strike, marking his third goal in three games for the club.

"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," said defender Kang Yoon-seong. "We can’t qualify with our current league position, so we need to improve. The players are all clearly aware of this."

Hwang Sun-hong commented on the speed and intensity of J.League opponents, emphasizing that Korean football must adapt to faster tempos to grow further. He also pointed out the need for better composure and finer details in attack during controlled phases.

Pohang Steelers Prioritize Rotation Over Results

Pohang Steelers suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Beijing FC after coach Park Tae-ha rotated the entire starting eleven due to a congested schedule. This decision aimed to manage player fitness rather than chase an immediate win.

Park Tae-ha stated, "Given the recent tight league schedule, we focused on players who had played fewer minutes. We prepared well, but early mistakes disrupted our plan."

He urged the team to learn from their errors without dwelling on the loss and to focus on improving in upcoming league fixtures and the second leg of the ACL.

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors Show Determination

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors secured a 2-1 home win against Kashiwa Reysol, bouncing back from a first-half deficit. Kenshin Yuba put the visitors ahead with a precise left-footed shot. Tiago Orobo equalized shortly after halftime, and Italo scored the winner in the 69th minute.

This match marked Jeonbuk's first ACLE game since March 2024 and their first victory since February 2024. With limited chances in domestic cups and title races, the team views the ACL as a way to regain pride.

FC Seoul Focuses on Youth Development

Despite finishing sixth in the K League 1 last season, FC Seoul qualified for the ACL Two. Their manager, Kim Gi-dong, treated the competition as an opportunity to give experience to younger and fringe players, even with a two-week break approaching and a strong league lead.

• Debutants: Left back Shin Ji-seop (18), midfielders Ko Pil-gwan (19) and Kim Min-jun (23)
• Return: Centre back Lee Sang-min, appearing for the first time in three years and first time for FC Seoul in almost four years

Gangwon FC Fields Young Squad for ACL Two

Gangwon FC, having dropped to ACL Two after a playoff loss last year, fielded a mix of second- and third-string players in their Group H opener against Kitchee SC, resulting in a goalless draw.

• Right back Choi Jae-hyeok became the club's youngest-ever debutant at 16 years, 10 months, and 13 days
• Centre backs Kang Seong-yun (23) and Ko Eun-seok (21) made their debuts, with Ko playing a full 90 minutes
• Other first starts included left back Lee Hyo-bin (19), midfielder Lee Yong-jae (18), attacking midfielder Choi Ji-nam (19), and striker Yoo Byung-heon (20)