The effect of Shandong Luneng led to the downfall of the Japanese championship team.
Gwangju FC defeated Vissel Kobe 3-0 in the '2025 AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 second leg' held at Gwangju World Cup Stadium on the 12th. After losing 0-2 in the away match in Kobe on the 5th, Gwangju overturned the aggregate score to 3-2, securing their place in the quarterfinals.
If Gwangju, which was the only K League team to advance to the Round of 16, were to be eliminated, it would result in a shocking outcome where all Korean teams failed to advance to the quarterfinals. The performances of the civic club Gwangju demonstrated the potential of Korean football.
Gwangju employed a 4-4-2 formation. Park Jeong-in and Heis formed a two-top with Oh Hu-seong, Park Tae-jun, Lee Kang-hyun, and Asani in the midfield. Lee Min-ki, Min Sang-ki, Jo Seong-gwon, and Kim Jin-ho were on defense, with goalkeeper Kim Kyung-min.
The start was good. In the 18th minute of the first half, Park Tae-jun sent in a free-kick opportunity that Park Jeong-in headed in. With an early opening goal, Gwangju saw a glimmer of hope. Manager Lee Jeong-hyo clenched his fist in celebration.
The defense was also strong. In the 38th minute of the first half, goalkeeper Kim Kyung-min saved a crucial scoring opportunity. Gwangju led 1-0 at halftime but needed one more goal to avoid elimination.
Gwangju seized a decisive opportunity. In the 38th minute of the second half, Park In-hyuk fell after a foul by Iwanami. A penalty kick was awarded. Asani stepped up to take it and scored the equalizer with his left foot. Gwangju went ahead 2-0, resulting in an aggregate score of 2-2.
Gwangju needed one more goal to reach the quarterfinals. Riding high, Gwangju relentlessly pushed Kobe but struggled to find the net. Ultimately, the match went into extra time.
In the 118th minute of extra time, there was a miraculous moment. Asani received a pass from Choi Kyung-rok just outside the box and struck with his left foot. The ball hit the crossbar and went in. Manager Lee Jeong-hyo and Gwangju fans erupted in excitement. It was a miraculous goal that led Gwangju to the quarterfinals amidst the threat of elimination.
Japanese media 'Gessaka' noted, "The Japanese J League champion Kobe was completely defeated by K League mid-table team Gwangju. In particular, the change of opponents in the league phase was significant," adding, "Due to Shandong Luneng's forfeit against Ulsan Hyundai, all matches were disqualified, leading to a change in rankings, requiring Gwangju to face them."
The outlet stated, "The match itself was a complete defeat for Kobe. While the change of opponents is not understandable, Gwangju was a very good team. Kobe deserved not to win in the quarterfinals," while also pointing out, "Iwanami's penalty kick was unlucky, though legitimate."
[OSEN]