In a crucial clash in the K League 1 relegation group, FC Anyang turned the tables on Ulsan Hyundai FC, securing a compelling 3-1 victory at Anyang Stadium on November 1, 2025. This result not only bolstered Anyang's position in the league standings but also handed Ulsan a significant setback as the season hurtles toward its conclusion.
The match began with an unexpected flourish as Ulsan went ahead in the 13th minute. Ko Seung-Beom found the back of the net, giving Ulsan a brief but promising lead. Early dominance seemed to favor the visitors, who were hoping to build on their recent form that included a noteworthy victory in the AFC Champions League. However, Anyang had other plans, displaying resilience and tactical acumen that would soon turn the tide.
In the 39th minute, Bruno Mota, who has been one of Anyang's standout players this season, leveled the score. His determination and skill on the ball became pivotal as he brought an electric atmosphere back to Anyang Stadium, leaving the home fans buzzing with hope.
The turning point came shortly after halftime, as Lee Chang-Yong put Anyang ahead in the 56th minute. The home side's attacking spirit was now palpable, and with the momentum firmly in their favor, Anyang continued to press. The team took full advantage of Ulsan's disarray, finding space and creating chances that rattled their opponents.
The excitement peaked when Chae Hyun-Woo scored the third goal for Anyang in the 77th minute. With the crowd erupting in cheers, Anyang had effectively sealed their victory with a commanding performance that emphasized their capability on this vital stage.
However, Ulsan's struggles were compounded by a red card issued to Min-hyeok Kim just before halftime, reducing them to ten men and significantly impacting their chances of a comeback. This dismissal, coupled with Anyang's relentless attack, made it increasingly difficult for Ulsan to regain their earlier composure.
In the aftermath of this match, the standings paint a dramatic picture. FC Anyang now sits in second place with 42 points, while Ulsan, with only 41 points, finds itself in third. The result marks a notable swing in fortunes for both sides, bringing with it questions about Ulsan's ability to remain competitive as the end of the season approaches.
Reflecting on the pre-match assessment, it appears I had hoped for a tightly contested match-a prediction that, in retrospect, didn't fully account for the swiftness with which Anyang would respond to adversity. While I anticipated Ulsan's attacking tendencies would shine, they ultimately faltered under pressure, leading to a disappointing outing.
Looking ahead, both teams have crucial matches on the horizon. FC Anyang will travel to face Jeju United FC on November 8, where they will seek to build on this victory. Ulsan must regroup quickly as they prepare for a showdown against Suwon City FC on November 9. With relegation looming, every match is a battle for survival, and both teams will have to fight with tenacity if they hope to stay afloat in the K League 1. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the beautiful game continues to deliver its fair share of drama and excitement.