FC Seoul and Chengdu Better City Battle to a Stalemate in AFC Champions League Showdown

In a match that promised fireworks but delivered a damp squib, FC Seoul and Chengdu Better City played to a goalless draw at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on November 4, 2025. Both teams entered the fray with aspirations of climbing the AFC Champions League standings, yet neither could find the breakthrough, leaving fans yearning for more.

A Tale of Two Teams

The narrative leading into this clash was rich with potential. FC Seoul, sitting fifth in their group with five points, had shown flashes of brilliance in recent weeks, particularly in their thrilling 4-2 victory over Gangwon FC. The star of that match, Jesse Lingard, was expected to be the catalyst for Seoul's attack once again. However, despite dominating possession with 62% and outshooting Chengdu 6-5, they failed to convert their chances into goals.

Lingard's recent form had been a beacon of hope for FC Seoul, but today he found himself stifled by a resolute Chengdu defense. The visitors, employing a five-man backline, effectively neutralized Seoul's attacking threats. Despite having two shots on goal compared to Chengdu's none, the home side could not capitalize on their opportunities.

Chengdu Better City, on the other hand, came into this match with a mixed bag of results, including a recent loss to Henan Jianye. They had shown resilience in their previous outings, notably drawing against Qingdao Youth Island thanks to a late brace from Felipe Silva. Yet today, they struggled to replicate that attacking flair. Their inability to register a single shot on target was telling; it highlighted their struggles in front of goal and raised questions about their offensive capabilities.

Statistical Insights

The statistics from this match paint a vivid picture of the contest. FC Seoul dominated in several key areas: they completed 583 accurate passes out of 684 total passes, achieving an impressive pass accuracy of 85%. In contrast, Chengdu managed only 314 accurate passes from 402 total passes, reflecting their difficulties in maintaining possession under pressure.

Despite these numbers favoring FC Seoul, the lack of clinical finishing proved costly. The home side's inability to convert possession into meaningful chances echoes a theme seen throughout their recent matches. In their last five games, they have struggled to find consistency, with only one win and two draws. This draw against Chengdu feels like another missed opportunity to build momentum.

For Chengdu, the draw may feel like a small victory given their recent form. They now sit with four points in the group, still searching for their identity after a rocky start to the tournament. Their defensive setup today was commendable; they absorbed pressure well and managed to keep a clean sheet despite being outplayed for large portions of the match.

Key Moments and Turning Points

The match lacked clear-cut chances, but there were moments that could have swung the game in either direction. A notable instance came in the first half when Seung-Won Jeong found space inside the box but failed to connect cleanly with his shot, sending it wide. This miss encapsulated FC Seoul's frustrations as they struggled to break down a disciplined Chengdu side.

As the second half progressed, both teams seemed content to settle for a point rather than risk leaving themselves exposed at the back. The tactical battle between coaches Gi-Dong Kim and Jung-Won Seo played out as a chess match, with both sides wary of conceding rather than eager to score.

Looking Ahead

With this result, FC Seoul remains in fifth place with five points, while Chengdu Better City sits tenth with four points. Both teams will need to reassess their strategies moving forward if they hope to advance in the tournament. FC Seoul's next challenge comes against Shanghai SIPG on November 25, where they will need to find their scoring touch if they are to remain competitive.

For Chengdu, facing Sanfrecce Hiroshima on the same day presents an opportunity to build on this draw and potentially secure their first win in the group stage. The question remains: can they translate defensive solidity into attacking prowess?

As we reflect on this match, it serves as a reminder that football is often about seizing opportunities when they arise. For FC Seoul and Chengdu Better City, today's stalemate may just be a chapter in a longer story of redemption and ambition in the AFC Champions League.