In a physically demanding encounter, Chengdu Rongcheng secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gangwon FC in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite on September 30, 2025. The match, held at the Chengdu Phoenix Hill Football Stadium, featured a resilient performance from Chengdu, who capitalized on their single scoring opportunity to claim the win.

Key Moments

The decisive moment came in the 35th minute when Tim Chow scored for Chengdu, although reports suggest that the goal was initially attributed to a header from a corner kick by captain Zhou Dingyang. This strike proved to be the difference-maker, as Gangwon FC struggled to find an equalizer despite controlling possession for much of the game.

In the first half, Gangwon dominated with 55% possession but was unable to convert their superiority into goals, managing only three shots compared to Chengdu's four. The second half saw Gangwon push forward, introducing Gabriel in an attempt to level the score. However, their best chance came when Yoon Il-rok's volley narrowly missed the target, highlighting the South Korean team's inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Player Performances

Chengdu's victory was built on their defensive solidity and the clinical finishing of their forwards. Meanwhile, Gangwon's midfield, featuring Yoon Il-rok, Kim Dae-woo, Kim Kang-guk, and Kim Do-hyun, worked tirelessly to create chances but were ultimately frustrated by Chengdu's defensive resilience.

Implications

This win leaves Chengdu Rongcheng in 6th place, while Gangwon FC, currently navigating the challenges of both domestic and international competitions, drops to 5th. The match underlined the difficulties faced by Gangwon in balancing their K League commitments with the demands of the AFC Champions League Elite.

Conclusion

Chengdu Rongcheng's victory was a testament to their ability to capitalize on key moments and maintain a strong defensive line. For Gangwon FC, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenges they face in competing at the highest level across multiple fronts. As the AFC Champions League Elite continues, both teams will be looking to improve their standings in the competitive East Region group.

Watch the full match highlights on YouTube for a detailed analysis of the game's pivotal moments, including the goal and Gangwon's missed opportunities. Unfortunately, specific YouTube recap videos are not available in this report, but fans can search for match highlights on popular sports channels.