Lee Jung-hyo's great challenge to win the Korea Cup for the first time since its foundation...Gwangju Goals to a Stable Final by Complete Victory in Bucheon

Aug 27, 2025

Lee Jung-hyo's great challenge to win the Korea Cup for the first time since its foundation...Gwangju Goals to a Stable Final by Complete Victory in Bucheon
photo courtesy of the Korea Football Association



Lee Jung-hyo's great challenge to win the Korea Cup for the first time since its foundation...Gwangju Goals to a Stable Final by Complete Victory in Bucheon
photo courtesy of the Korea Football Association
Gwangju FC is ready to write a new history at the Korea Cup.

Gwangju will play the second round of the semifinals of the '2025 Hana Bank Korea Cup' at 7:30 p.m. on the 27th at Bucheon Stadium. Gwangju, which won 2-0 with consecutive goals by Jung Ji-hoon Hayes in the first round of the Korea Cup semifinals at home on the 20th, will reach the final of the cup for the first time just by drawing on the day.

Gwangju coach Lee Jung-hyo, who failed to achieve his dream of advancing to the finals after being held back by Ulsan in last season's semifinal, said honestly after winning revenge by winning the Korea Cup quarterfinals against Ulsan in July, `I want to win the Korea Cup.'




"Our players are performing even in a difficult situation. Fans are even making donations at their own expense. We will not allow Gwangju to fall (from the Korea Cup)," he said. "Gwangju seems to be being treated like a pet." If we continue to produce results and play in the Asian Champions League, I think they will enjoy it. Investing in Gwangju, where director Lee Jung-hyo is located, can also have a promotional effect. If it is invested, the Club World Cup will be possible in a few years." He expected a virtuous cycle of winning the Korea Cup.

Although Gwangju won the first game, it did not let its guard down. He will play in the second game with the goal of winning a complete victory without allowing any runs. Byun Jun-su, who took a break from missing the 27th round of the K League 1 on the weekend due to accumulated warnings, plans to set up a defense team with Jin Si-woo, Cho Sung-kwon, and Shim Sang-min. Gwangju coach Lee Jung-hyo is not expected to rotate much on the same day as he put all of his best efforts into the first round of the semifinals by setting the Korea Cup as his top goal.

Lee Jung-hyo's great challenge to win the Korea Cup for the first time since its foundation...Gwangju Goals to a Stable Final by Complete Victory in Bucheon
photo courtesy of the Korea Football Association
It is also preparing for the fact that the game will be held at Bucheon's home stadium and that unlike the first game, key Bucheon strikers such as Vasani and Montagno are likely to be used as starters. Bucheon boasts a formidable power to the extent that it ranks fourth in the playoffs as of the 26th round of the K League 2.




Bucheon has a high home scoring rate, with an average of 1.85 goals (24 goals) in K League 2 home games and an average of 1.39 goals (18 goals) in away games this season. Montagno has made six of his nine goals at home, while Basani has six goals and one assist in his last seven league home games. This is why Gwangju cannot relax.

Gwangju will face the winner of the match between Gangwon and Jeonbuk at Gangneung High1 Arena on the same day as the victory. Gangwon and Jeonbuk drew 1-1 in the first round of the semifinals.






This article was translated by Naver AI translator.