Insights from AFC Champions League Matchday One: K League Clubs’ Strategies

The AFC Champions League has kicked off, bringing a larger presence of K League teams than ever before. Five clubs from the K League participated across both AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League Two, revealing varied approaches and intentions for the season ahead.

For some teams facing challenges in their domestic campaigns, the ACL offers a chance to bounce back, while others see it as an opportunity to claim their first Asian title. Despite having one more league round before an international break, some managers chose not to make major changes to their lineups, while others opted for rotation.

Daejeon Hana Citizen 1-0 Kyoto Sanga

Daejeon Hana Citizen returned to the AFC Champions League after 23 years with a home victory against Kyoto Sanga. Manager Hwang Sun-hong fielded a strong lineup, signaling the club’s seriousness about the competition. Although the first half showed some nerves and Kyoto appeared sharper, Daejeon took control in the second half.

Victor Bobsin scored the match’s only goal with a remarkable strike from outside the box, marking his third goal in three matches for the team. The win is fueling motivation for the rest of the domestic season. Defender Kang Yoon-seong shared that experiencing the ACL first-hand has inspired the players to aim for qualification next year, acknowledging that improvement in league standing is necessary.

"Playing in the ACLE for the first time, I really got a taste of it. It made me want to be in it again next year. We can’t qualify with our current league position, so we need to improve. This match will make the other players want to play in the ACLE again next year as well." – Kang Yoon-seong

Hwang Sun-hong reflected on the tactical demands, noting the high speed and pressing intensity of J.League teams. He suggested the K League must adapt to this tempo to progress further. Despite controlling the game, Daejeon lacked finesse and composure in attack, areas he believes need sharpening.

"If you lose a battle of energy levels, football ends with a defensive hold. When controlling the game, you need to improve your composure and pay closer attention to detail. K League really needs to think a lot about tempo." – Hwang Sun-hong

Beijing FC 3-1 Pohang Steelers

Pohang Steelers appeared less focused on the ACL, with manager Park Tae-ha rotating his entire starting lineup due to a congested schedule. The result was a 3-1 loss in Beijing. Park explained the rotation aimed at preserving player fitness and giving minutes to those who had played less recently.

"We prepared with a focus on players who had played fewer minutes. It’s disappointing that mistakes early in the game disrupted our plan." – Park Tae-ha

He emphasized that addressing weaknesses moving forward in the league was the priority rather than dwelling on the defeat.

"Football doesn’t end after one game. Players must take responsibility for their mistakes but focus on the next match. We’ll work on improving in the league and prepare for a strong second leg." – Park Tae-ha

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 2-1 Kashiwa Reysol

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors demonstrated grit to secure a 2-1 home victory against Kashiwa Reysol. Already out of the Korea Cup and title race, this ACL campaign is a chance to regain pride. After conceding early, Jeonbuk equalized through Tiago Orobo’s header and later took the lead via Italo’s goal.

This marked Jeonbuk’s first ACLE match since March 2024 and their first win since February 2024.

FC Seoul 0-1 Persib Bandung

FC Seoul, dropping to ACL Two despite finishing sixth in K League 1 last season, treated the competition as a platform to develop young talent. With a comfortable lead atop the domestic table and a break coming, manager Kim Gi-dong gave game time to fringe and youth players for their opener against Persib Bandung.

• Debutants: Left back Shin Ji-seop (18), midfielders Ko Pil-gwan (19), Kim Min-jun (23)
• Return: Centre back Lee Sang-min, first appearance in three years for the club

Kitchee SC 0-0 Gangwon FC

Gangwon FC, relegated to ACL Two after losing a playoff to Gamba Osaka last year, also chose to rotate heavily for their Group H opener against Kitchee. The 0-0 draw didn’t offer much excitement but saw several club records and debuts.

• Right back Choi Jae-hyeok became Gangwon’s youngest-ever debutant at 16 years, 10 months, and 13 days
• Club debuts for centre back Kang Seong-yun (23)
• First starts and full matches for centre back Ko Eun-seok (21), left back Lee Hyo-bin (19), midfielder Lee Yong-jae (18), attacking midfielder Choi Ji-nam (19), and striker Yoo Byung-heon (20)