K리그1・2의 최신 소식을 모두 확인 할 수 있는 공간입니다.
In Match Day 4 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Ulsan Hyundai, and Daegu FC play the second of the back-to-back fixtures with Tampines Rovers, Kaya FC–Iloilo, and Beijing FC respectively looking to make one stop closer to qualification to the knockout rounds. Pohang Steelers, meanwhile, head into their penultimate Group Stage match, taking on Ratchaburi from Thailand. Last time out, K League teams scored a combined 19 goals - an average of 4.75 each. All four will be confident of securing positive results come Sunday and Monday.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors head into their fourth round of fixtures to face Tampines Rovers once more, having defeated the Singapore Premier League side by nine goals to nil on Thursday evening. Four goals from Gustavo, a hattrick from Modou Barrow plus well-taken efforts from Stanislav Iljutcenko and Kim Seung-dae ensured the Green Warriors claimed their highest victory in this competition, breaking their previous record of 8-0 in 2010 when they saw off Persipura Jayapura. The win saw the side move to the top of the group with seven points and in pole position to progress to the knockouts.
With the format of the competition changing this year to five groups in the Eastern half, only the best three of five second place finishes will make it to the next round. With this in mind, Jeonbuk are not expected to let up for this clash but manager Kim Sang-sik has hinted at possible rotations given the compact schedule. Free-scoring Gustavo seems likely to retain his spot but players who have featured in all three games so far, such as right back Lee Yong, could well be rotated out for this clash as Kim looks to maintain their fitness for the likes of the side’s closest threats to progression in Chiangrai United and Gamba Osaka.
[READ: "We want to show our fans the trophy again": Kim Bo-kyung ACL Interview]
The defending champions recorded history last time out with their 12th consecutive victory in the competition thanks to a 3-0 win against Kaya FC, an ACL record. Oh Se-hun bagged a first half brace and Valeri Qazaishvili added a third in what was a dominating performance for Hong Myung-bo’s men as they controlled the pitch throughout. The result puts them on nine points after three matches, having scored six goals over that span without conceding. They will face the reverse fixture on Matchday Four with the confidence that they can once again achieve a result which will put them into the knockout phase and set themselves one step closer to defending their crown.
There are not expected to be many changes from the side from the last run out as the Horangi look to seal the group and progression to the next phase of the competition. A pair of strikers to lead the line will be an option as it brought results last time out and there is no reason to sway in a different direction. Ulsan are defending champions and will use the rest of the group phase to put a stamp on the rest of the clubs in front of them. They are still the team to beat regardless of results across the board across the competition.
It has not been the best of introductions to this year’s tournament for the side from the Philippines. Three consecutive losses have put them out of contention, allowing twelve goals past their gates in the process. At this point, they are playing for pride, but can take solace in the fact that they have done all in their willing to represent themselves in a positive light on the continental stage. Marwin Angeles has been their lone goal scorer at the tournament in a losing effort against BG Pathum United on Matchday One. He will be unavailable for the reverse fixture as he picked up his second yellow card of the competition against Ulsan in the first meeting.
Daegu FC made back-to-back wins after putting five past a youthful Beijing FC and maintained their runner-up place in Group I. Within the first ten minutes, the Chinese side hitting the post with a header woke up the Sky Blues who eventually opened the scoring through Edgar's header just a few minutes later. Then Edgar once again rose highest to meet Ahn Yong-woo's cross and put Daegu 2-0 up. The second half was all about Cesinha. The Brazilian playmaker, who looked so determined, grabbed a brace inside the box and put the game to bed. Afterwards, Beijing tried to find a way through, but they conceded another goal to Daegu's youngster Oh Hu-sung before the full time whistle.
After such a quick turnaround, the Sky Blues are going to square off with the Chinese side again, looking to continue their fine form. Realistically, there is little chance that Beijing can turn things around and the Sky Blues will be favourites to get the result without a doubt. Nevertheless, Manager Lee Byung-geun will have to think about squad rotation due to accumulated fatigue and suspensions. On a positive note, defender Kim Woo-seok was an unused substitute last time out after returning from a twisted ankle. However, Japanese midfielder Nishi Tsubasa will be suspended after picking up his second yellow card last time out. Four key players are one yellow card away from one game suspension and they will miss out crucial match against J.League leader Kawasaki in matchday 5 if they pick up their second against Beijing FC. Therefore, the Sky Blues will have to approach this game in practical ways and kill off the Chinese side as early as possible.
[READ: "We have to remember our strengths": Edgar Silva ACL Interview]
