Daejeon wins first Asian match in 23 years
K League 1 side Daejeon Hana Citizen beat Japan’s Kyoto Sanga 1-0 at home in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) league stage at Daejeon World Cup Stadium on the 15th. It was Daejeon’s first win in continental competition since returning to the Asian stage for the first time since the 2002-2003 season, with Bobsin’s long-range shot deflecting in off the post for the decisive goal in the 78th minute. Daejeon, which secured direct entry by finishing second in K League 1 last season, got off to a strong start under manager Hwang Sun-hong.
Source: Sports Khan
Pohang’s rotation backfires in Beijing loss
Pohang Steelers lost 1-3 away to Beijing Guoan in the ACLE league stage at Beijing’s Workers’ Stadium on the 15th. Pohang, which rested most of its regulars including Ki Sung-yueng for a rotated lineup, conceded just two minutes into the match and, despite equalizing on a penalty from Tranquiska, gave up two more goals to fall apart. The loss extended Pohang’s winless run to five straight official matches (three draws, two losses) including K League play.
Source: Sports Khan
Seoul’s Klimala named K League 1 R29 MVP
The Korea Professional Football League announced on the 15th that FC Seoul forward Klimala was named MVP of Round 29 of the 2026 Hana Bank K League 1. Klimala led Seoul to a 2-1 win away at Jeonbuk Hyundai on the 12th, scoring the opener in the 3rd minute and adding the winner just before full time. The match was also chosen as Round 29’s best, with Klimala joined by teammates Moon Seon-min, Yazan and Koo Sung-yoon on the round’s best XI.
Source: Sports Khan
Ulsan’s Lee Dong-gyeong hits 10-10 again
Ulsan HD’s Lee Dong-gyeong recorded a goal and an assist against Incheon United on the 12th to become the first Korean player to reach double-digit goals and assists in two consecutive seasons. Lee, who won last season’s K League 1 MVP award with 13 goals and 12 assists, set up a goal with a free kick before scoring his 10th of the season himself with a left-footed strike. Including foreign players, only Molina, who played for FC Seoul, had previously achieved back-to-back 10-10 seasons, in 2011 and 2012. Ulsan’s win kept the club in second place.
Source: Sports Khan