K League 1 FC Seoul vs. K League 2 FC Anyang in the round of 32 of the Korea Football Association (FA) Cup at Seoul World Cup Stadium in April 2017. Despite Seoul’s objective superiority on paper, having won the K League title the previous season, the atmosphere in the stadium was like that of a European soccer field.

Anyang supporters set off massive flares and purple smoke bombs, the team’s signature color, before kickoff, in violation of the Korean Football Association’s ban on bringing gunpowder and firearms into the stadium. 파워볼사이트 They didn’t want to lose to FC Seoul.

Seoul’s predecessor was the Anyang-based LG Cheetahs. In January 2004, LG announced its move to Seoul, much to the shock and dismay of Anyang soccer fans who were passionate about the sport. Even boycotts and haircut protests could not stop the relocation.

The current civic club, Anyang, was founded in 2013 and joined the K League 2 (Challenge) with the unwavering passion of its fans, and the fans of Anyang will have a thrilling moment in the 2025 season. Exactly 20 years after relocating to Seoul, Anyang realized its dream of promotion to the K League 1 11 years after its founding.

Anyang drew 0-0 away to Bucheon FC in the 38th round of the Hana Bank K League 2 2024 at Bucheon Sports Complex on Feb. 2, earning the one point they needed to win the regular season title. It is the first league title for Anyang, which failed to win promotion to K League 1 despite three playoff (PO) appearances. With the win, Anyang will be promoted directly to K League 1.

The “nepotism derby” between Anyang and Seoul in the K League 1 is expected to be one of the most anticipated matches for fans. In the first meeting seven years ago in the FA Cup, Anyang’s motivation was not enough to overcome Seoul’s colorful roster. Anyang lost 0-2 to Seoul.

Seoul is a powerhouse in the K League, having won four K League titles, the FA Cup, and the Asian Champions League, with star players since leaving Anyang.

Anyang, the ‘David’ who will face the ‘Goliath’ Seoul, has conceded the fewest goals in K-League 2 (34) and is known for its solid defense. However, their lowest scoring offense (49 goals) needs improvement. Their top scorer is Mateusz, who has just seven goals, but he has found the net in a variety of ways.

In his first season at the helm of Anyang as a professional coach, Yoo Byung-hoon led the team from sixth place to the top of the league and has been recognized for his leadership by building a cohesive and cohesive team. The championship victory in front of 2,000 Anyang fans in the away section of Bucheon Sports Complex was especially meaningful for Yoo, who was also a founding member of the team. Yoo said, “Anyang exists because of the fans who dedicated their youth to the team. I am grateful to be able to return a little bit of my youth to them,” said Yoo.

The stage is set for an exciting and huge ‘story’ in the K League 1 next season.