Professional soccer’s K League 1 Gwangju FC has extended its winning streak to two games with a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Daejeon Hana Citizens.
Gwangju, coached by Lee Jung-hyo, defeated Daejeon 2-1 at home in the 11th round of the K League 1 2024 at the Gwangju Football Stadium today (June 6) thanks to a late equalizer from Lee Hee-gyun and a late winner from Heo Yul.
The win secured a rebound for Gwangju, who had lost six straight matches after an opening two-game winning streak and bounced back with a 3-1 victory over Jeju United 스포츠토토사이트 in Round 10.
Gwangju’s ranking jumped from 11th to 8th (12 points).
The coach, who has been touted as a “young master” for leading Gwangju to a third-place finish last year, was all smiles as he orchestrated a victory at home for the first time in two months with a high-powered substitution card.
Gwangju also extended its unbeaten streak against Daejeon to eight matches (four wins and four draws).
Daejeon remained in 11th place (10 points).
Daejeon took the lead in the 14th minute through Anton’s goal, which came off a set piece situation.
On a free kick, Kim Hyun-woo’s header pass was met by Anton, who rushed into the box and connected with a right-footed volley that split the post.
An offside call was made, but the referee reviewed the video assistant referee (VAR) on-field review and awarded the goal.
Lee made an attacking change at the start of the second half, bringing on Thumb and Gabriel, and it worked.
Six minutes into the second half, a cross from the right side of the box was headed home by Gabriel on the left side of the goal.
After Daejeon goalkeeper Lee Chang-geun made an incredible reflex save from Um Ji-sung’s header, Lee Hee-gyun, who was rushing in from the right side of the box, finished with his right foot to level the game.
The hero of the game-winning goal was also a substitute.
In the 36th minute of the second half, Heo Yul, a tall striker who had only been on the pitch for five minutes, headed Gabriel’s cross from the right into the back of the net.
The match was marked by a loud protest from the Gwangju coaching staff, which resulted in a yellow card for coach Lee in the first half and the ejection of the coach in the second half.
At Jeju World Cup Stadium, home team Jeju escaped a four-game losing streak with a 1-0 victory over Daegu FC thanks to Kim Tae-hwan’s goal.
After four consecutive defeats without a win, ending with a 1-0 victory over Incheon United on March 6, Jeju got their first win in a month and jumped to seventh place (13 points).
Last-place Daegu (8 points) hasn’t won in seven matches (four draws and three losses), including two straight defeats.
Daegu head coach Park Chang-hyun delayed his debut win until the next opportunity.
Daegu has recorded one draw and two losses since he took over.