It is different from last season's tough battle for survival. Daejeon Hana Citizen handed Daegu FC its first loss of the season and jumped to the top of K League 1.

Daejeon Hana Citizen, led by head coach Hong Seon-hong, defeated Daegu FC 2-1 in the Hana Bank K League 1 2025 Round 4 away match held at Daegu iM Bank Park at 4:30 p.m. on the 8th.

As a result, Daejeon, after the loss to Ulsan in the second round, has been on a winning streak, recording 9 points (3 wins, 1 loss) and reached the sole first place. On the other hand, Daegu tasted defeat after just 4 opening matches and became third with 7 points (2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss).

The home team Daegu started with a 4-3-3 formation. Kwon Tae-yong, Jung Jae-sang, Ko Jae-hyun, Ramas, Yoshino, Sejingya, Jang Seong-won, Caio, Park Jin-young, Hwang Jae-won, and Oh Seung-hoon were the starters.

The away team Daejeon faced them with a 3-4-3 formation. Choi Geon-ju, Joo Min-gyu, Yoon Do-young, Park Gyu-hyun, Masa, Bapsin, Kang Yoon-seong, Anton, Ha Chang-rae, Oh Jae-seok, and Lee Chang-geun were on the starting list.

Daejeon scored the opening goal early. In the 7th minute, Park Gyu-hyun sent a low cross from the left in front of the goal. Joo Min-gyu lightly turned it with his left foot and struck the corner of the goal. It was Joo Min-gyu's 4th goal of the season that even Oh Seung-hoon could not save.

Daejeon quickly extended its lead to 2-0. In the 10th minute, during a counterattack opportunity, Choi Geon-ju broke through the back space based on organized linking play. Choi Geon-ju calmly shook off the last defender's tackle and finished accurately to shake the net.

Daegu attempted to counterattack. In the 25th minute, they sent crosses from both flanks to crack Daejeon's defense but gained nothing. In the 38th minute, Sejingya's powerful shot was also thwarted by Lee Chang-geun's save.

Daejeon swallowed its disappointment. In injury time of the first half, Choi Geon-ju received a forward pass from Masa and slipped behind the defense. Despite dribbling past the approaching goalkeeper and taking a tough shot, Park Jin-young leaped to clear the ball just before it crossed the goal line. The first half ended with Daejeon leading 2-0.

A thrilling moment occurred. In the 3rd minute of the second half, Sejingya sprinted quickly to receive Ramas's long pass. Noticing this, Lee Chang-geun dashed out of the box and cleared the ball with his head. In the process, Sejingya's knee collided with Lee Chang-geun's shoulder. Both complained of pain, but fortunately, they rose again to continue the match.

A major variable occurred. In the 23rd minute of the second half, Park Gyu-hyun was sent off due to accumulating yellow cards. With the numerical advantage, Daegu made substitutions, bringing in Edgar and Lee Chan-dong for Jung Jae-sang and Yoshino.

Daegu quickly struck back with a goal. In the 26th minute of the second half, Ramas scored a fantastic long-range shot. From roughly 30 meters out, he unleashed a spinning left-foot shot that found the net. Lee Chang-geun dove but could not save it.

Daegu pushed hard to equalize until the end. However, in the 30th minute, Park Dae-hoon's right-footed curling shot hit the crossbar, and in added time, Ramas's powerful shot was stopped by Lee Chang-geun's super save. Ultimately, the fierce contest ended with Daejeon winning by one goal.

[Photo] Provided by the Korea Professional Football League.

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