Despite the ‘epic’ mid-table battle, Gwangju FC is not dropping into Final B anytime soon.
Gwangju has been in Final A for five rounds now, having moved up to sixth place after a draw against Daegu FC in Round 23 on March 15. They have managed to keep their points tally in check with two wins and three draws in their last five matches. In 27 matches, Gwangju is in fifth place with 39 points from 10 wins, 9 draws and 8 losses.메이저놀이터
They are two points behind third-place Jeonbuk Hyundai (41 points) and tied with fourth-place FC Seoul. There’s very little separating them from the rest of the top teams, except for first-place Ulsan Hyundai and second-place Pohang Steelers. Considering that the standings change every round and the season is as tight as ever, this is quite a long run.
Gwangju also secured a point in Round 27. On the 18th, they drew 2-2 away from home against Incheon United. It was a game that confirmed Gwangju’s strength. Gwangju conceded back-to-back goals from Gerso in the fifth and 15th minutes of the second half to go down 0-2, but Asani’s free-kick goal in the 34th minute and Lee Kun-hee’s theater goal in stoppage time saved the day. The dramatic draw allowed them to come back from the dead with a point.
At its current pace, Gwangju is on track for its best season in franchise history. In 2016, Gwangju finished eighth with 11 wins. They just missed out on a spot in the Final A. With 11 games left in the season, barring a major upset, Gwangju will likely finish with 11 or more wins. The team is also hoping to make it back to the Final A in 2020.
Gwangju, which spends the least amount of money on personnel in K League 1, stands out because it plays a game-driven style of soccer, rather than the costly counter-attacking tactics often used by weaker teams. They play an aggressive game compared to their roster and team strength.
According to data analytics firm Biproleven records, Gwangju ranks fourth in shots per game (12.22), third in shots on target (4.56), third in passes in the offensive zone (79.11), and first in dribbles (3.74). Gwangju coach Lee Jung-hyo believes that no matter the opponent, the team must take the initiative and not back down. By taking care of the game, the process, and the results, Gwangju’s season has the potential to be one of the best ever.
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