"A team like Gwangju should not be in the AFC Champions League."

This was said by manager Lee Jeong-hyo, whose team reached the round of 16 in the AFC Champions League. With teams representing Korea, such as Ulsan and Pohang, eliminated, the municipal club Gwangju was the only team that advanced to the round of 16. While this is a joyful event, other words could also arise.

"One might easily think, 'Isn't it possible to advance to the AFC Champions League round of 16 without investing like Gwangju, without having good players, and despite lacking facilities?' A club that invests vast capital may ultimately find the virtuous cycle broken if results do not follow. Manager Lee Jeong-hyo is worried about this aspect."

Despite saying this, when it came to the match, he did his best for victory. Ahead of the first leg against Vissel Kobe, manager Lee Jeong-hyo noted, "The players, the club, and the coaching staff have worked really hard to come this far. Gwangju FC and the players, who are often overlooked, have overcome difficult adversities and achieved their first goal, but it has not been an easy journey. I want to provide the players with a better experience by reaching the quarterfinals," as he looked towards further goals.

In terms of strength, Gwangju was at a significant disadvantage. Gwangju returned from the away game in Kobe with a 0-2 defeat. Gwangju faced a situation where advancing to the quarterfinals would be impossible unless they won by three goals at home.

They did not give up. Manager Lee Jeong-hyo stated, "If we face Vissel Kobe ten times, we would lose ten times, but that was during the qualifiers. We will score at least one goal and learn how to play in the K League," showing his determined resolve.

General Lee Soon-shin also defeated the Japanese navy with just eight ships. The miracle of advancing to the quarterfinals created by manager Lee Jeong-hyo cannot be explained without mental fortitude. It was a dramatically exhilarating victory and an advancement to the quarterfinals.

On the 12th, Gwangju FC hosted the "2025 AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 Second Leg" at Gwangju World Cup Stadium, where Asani scored multiple goals, leading to a 3-0 victory over Vissel Kobe. After losing 0-2 in the away match on the 5th, Gwangju overturned the aggregate score to 3-2, confirming their advancement to the quarterfinals.

Fortunately, the first goal came quickly. In the 18th minute of the first half, Park Tae-jun's free kick was headed in by Park Jeong-in. With the early opening goal, Gwangju saw hope. Manager Lee Jeong-hyo clenched his fist in triumph.

Asani created a miracle. In the 38th minute of the second half, Park In-hyeok fell due to a foul by Iwanami. A penalty kick was awarded. Asani stepped up as the kicker and scored the equalizer with his left foot. Gwangju soared to a 2-0 lead, making the aggregate score 2-2.

Gwangju needed one more goal to reach the quarterfinals. Gwangju, riding a wave of momentum, continuously pressed Kobe, but scoring was not easy. Ultimately, the match moved to extra time.

In the 118th minute of the second half of extra time, a crazy goal spectacle unfolded. Asani received a pass from Choi Kyung-rok just outside the box and shot with his left foot. The ball struck the crossbar and went in for a goal.

It was a miraculous final goal that led Gwangju, on the brink of elimination, to the quarterfinals. The dramatic goal came just two minutes before the end of extra time.

Gwangju will face Thailand's prestigious Buriram United in the quarterfinals. If they win, they will meet the winner of Yokohama vs. Kawasaki in the semifinals. The AFC Champions League quarterfinal tournament will take place starting April 23 in Saudi Arabia in a single elimination format.

How far can the 'Jeong-hyo ball' go? What are the limits of manager Lee Jeong-hyo? His journey garners even more interest because he has created something from nothing.

[OSEN]