A neighborhood fight cannot be lost. In the K League 2 Round 3, 'neighborhood rivals' will meet.
□ Match of the round - 'Neighboring rivals' Cheonan vs. Chungnam Asan
Two teams that cannot afford to lose any further meet. In the 3rd round, Cheonan and Chungnam Asan will clash on a narrow bridge for their first win of the season.
The home team Cheonan is in desperate need of a rebound after losing 0-2 to Jeonnam in the 1st round and 1-2 to Bucheon in the 2nd round. In particular, in the match against Jeonnam, Lee Woong-hee and in the match against Bucheon, Lee Ji-hoon were sent off, causing concerns for the squad. Nevertheless, Tunghara returned in the last Bucheon match, and if the newly acquired Fabre and Felipe quickly adapt to the team, they are expected to contribute significantly to the strength. Additionally, Cheonan has conceded 4 goals in two matches, making defensive stabilization the most important factor.
The away team Chungnam Asan recorded a 1-1 draw in the last away match against Hwaseong, earning 1 point. Chungnam Asan seemed to be gaining control of the game with a ball possession rate of 61.8%, but failed to win, leaving them disappointed. After the season opener, Chungnam Asan is yet to secure their first victory with 1 draw and 1 loss. Nevertheless, Chungnam Asan feels confident for this match against Cheonan due to their head-to-head record. Chungnam Asan has recorded 5 wins and 1 draw against Cheonan without a single loss. In this match, Chungnam Asan aims to secure their first win of the season and maintain their unbeaten record against Cheonan, backed by the performance of Son Jun-ho, who has recently joined and made his presence felt in midfield.
The Cheonan and Chungnam Asan derby, held for the first time this season, will take place on the 9th (Sun) at 4:30 p.m. at Cheonan Sports Complex.
□ Team of the round - Gimpo revived as Luis shines
Gimpo secured their first win of the season with a 2-0 victory against Ansan in the 2nd round. Although there were concerns due to many changes in the squad compared to last season, Gimpo's tenacity remained intact. Gimpo recorded about 40% ball possession in both the 1st and 2nd rounds, but showcased solid organization. The defense, which has kept two consecutive clean sheets, has been particularly encouraging. Goalkeeper Son Jeong-hyun and the defense did not give their opponents easy opportunities in both matches, and ace Luis scored a brace against Ansan, raising expectations for the season. If Gimpo's fellow forwards, including Luis and Lee Jong-hyun, also score, they seem poised to create a sensation at the start of the season.
Meanwhile, Gimpo's opponent in this round is Chungbuk Cheongju. Chungbuk Cheongju has yet to secure their first win of the season after losing 1-3 to Bucheon in the 1st round and drawing 1-1 against Seongnam in the 2nd round. Under the new management of Kwon Oh-kyu this season, Chungbuk Cheongju consistently records goals, but the stabilization of the defense remains a task. The match between Gimpo and Chungbuk Cheongju will be held on the 8th (Sat) at 4:30 p.m. at Gimpo Solteo Football Stadium.
□ Player of the round - Goalkeeper Ryu Won-woo leads 'Gyeongnam's revival'
The key player who led manager Lee Eul-yong's first win was goalkeeper Ryu Won-woo. Ryu Won-woo recorded a clean sheet in the 2nd round match against Busan, contributing to the team's 1-0 victory. Notably, Ryu Won-woo's save of a penalty kick from Busan's Pesin in the 8th minute of the second half was the highlight of the match. Ryu Won-woo, who recently transferred to Gyeongnam this season, proved his value in just two games.
Although Ryu Won-woo conceded two goals in the opening match against Incheon, he quelled Incheon's relentless attacks before conceding. Manager Lee Eul-yong, who is pondering defensive organization, has effectively gained a significant advantage with Ryu Won-woo's performance. Besides his athletic performance, Ryu Won-woo also plays a vital role as a veteran leading younger players.
Meanwhile, Gyeongnam will face newly established team Hwaseong in this round. Under manager Cha Du-ri, Hwaseong lost 0-2 in their opening match against Seongnam, but gained confidence with a draw against Chungnam Asan in the last 2nd round.
Veteran Ryu Won-woo aims to achieve a winning streak and challenge for two consecutive clean sheets against youthful Hwaseong. The match between the two teams will take place on the 8th (Sat) at Hwaseong Sports Complex.
Hana Bank K League 2 2025 Round 3 match schedule
- Bucheon vs. Busan (Mar. 8 (Sat) 2 p.m., Bucheon Sports Complex, MAXPORTS, Coupang Play)
- Hwaseong vs. Gyeongnam (Mar. 8 (Sat) 2 p.m., Hwaseong Sports Complex main stadium, Living Sports TV, Coupang Play)
- Gimpo vs. Chungbuk Cheongju (Mar. 8 (Sat) 4:30 p.m., Gimpo Solteo Football Stadium, MAXPORTS, Coupang Play)
- Ansan vs. Jeonnam (Mar. 8 (Sat) 4:30 p.m., Ansan Wa~Stadium, BALL TV, Coupang Play)
- Seoul E vs. Suwon (Mar. 9 (Sun) 2 p.m., Mokdong Sports Complex, MAXPORTS, Coupang Play)
- Cheonan vs. Chungnam Asan (Mar. 9 (Sun) 2 p.m., Cheonan Sports Complex, Living Sports TV, Coupang Play)
- Seongnam vs. Incheon (Mar. 9 (Sun) 4:30 p.m., Tancheon Sports Complex, MAXPORTS, Coupang Play)
[OSEN = Jung Seung-woo, reporter]