There was no winner in the fierce 90-minute battle. FC Anyang's attempt for their first win in the 'local derby' has once again been pushed to next time.

FC Anyang and FC Seoul drew 1-1 in the Korea Bank K League 1 2025 Round 12, held at Anyang Sports Complex at 7 p.m. on the 6th, failing to determine a winner.

As a result, Anyang was left disappointed as they could not secure a victory in their first derby held at home. They also failed to avenge their 1-2 loss in Seoul last February. This was the first draw for Anyang this season, leaving them in 7th place with 16 points (5 wins, 1 draw, 7 losses).

Seoul, too, found it difficult to be satisfied with the result. They broke a three-game losing streak, but have failed to secure a win for six consecutive matches, missing the chance to rebound. While conceding the first goal was positive, it was disappointing not to turn the game around despite mounting a strong attack late in the match. Seoul sits in 9th place with 14 points (3 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses).

Home team Anyang started with a 4-4-2 formation. Kim Un, Mateus, Kang Ji-hoon, Kim Jeong-hyeon, Eduardo, Chae Hyun-woo, Thomas, Lee Chang-yong, Kim Young-chan, and Lee Tae-hee took the field first. Motta was listed on the substitute bench. However, as the game began, Anyang adopted a 5-3-2 formation with Kang Ji-hoon taking the role of left wing-back.

The visiting team Seoul also faced off in a 4-4-2 formation. Jeong Han-min, Cho Young-wook, Lucas, Ryu Jae-moon, Hwang Do-yoon, Jeong Seung-won, Kim Jin-su, Kim Ju-seong, Yajan, and Choi Jun started. Lingard made his first appearance on the bench this season.

Both teams battled closely at the beginning of the match. They applied strong pressure on each other from the midfield, not allowing for easy advancement. Although Seoul created a dominant flow with nearly 70% possession, they struggled to create any threatening scenes.

Anyang looked for opportunities with quick counterattacks, but Lee Tae-hee squandered a chance with a poor touch from the right side of the box in the 16th minute. Seoul attempted to find openings by shaking up the flanks. However, Anyang's defense firmly locked down the center, forcing Seoul to aim for long-range shots. Even those were repeatedly blocked by Anyang's tenacious defense.

A major variable nearly occurred. In the 32nd minute, during a corner kick, Eduardo tripped while tangled with Choi Jun, and referee Chae Sang-hyeop promptly declared a foul. However, after an on-field review, the penalty kick ruling was overturned. Anyang protested vigorously, but it was not accepted.

Anyang felt regret. In the 42nd minute, Kim Un received a through pass from Mateus and broke into the space behind, but he could not shoot quickly and was halted by a defensive tackle. Ultimately, the first half ended without any goals. Seoul recorded 7 shots and 5 on target in the first 45 minutes, but most were long-range attempts.

Anyang broke the tight balance of 0. In the 7th minute of the second half, after successfully defending a set piece, Thomas delivered a penetrating through pass that pierced Seoul's back space from the defensive area. Mateus cleverly evaded the defensive line, and he netted the ball with a powerful left-footed shot. A thunderous cheer erupted from the Anyang supporters behind the goal.

The beleaguered Seoul bench acted first. Coach Kim Ki-dong called in Jeong Seung-won, Cho Young-wook, and Jeong Han-min in the 12th minute, introducing Lingard, Dux, and Moon Seon-min all at once. This was a change intended to create a crack in Anyang's organized three-back.

Anyang threatened Seoul once again with a sharp counterattack. In the 18th minute, Chae Hyun-woo shook off pressure near the midfield line and delivered a perfect through pass to Lee Tae-hee who was infiltrating the right flank. However, the shot by Mateus, who received Lee Tae-hee's pass, was blocked by a tackle from Seoul's defense. Anyang made changes at the 23rd minute of the second half, bringing in Motta and Choi Gyu-hyun for Chae Hyun-woo and Kim Un.

Seoul brought the game back to square one. In the 36th minute of the second half, a corner kick taken by Lingard was met with a powerful header from Moon Seon-min without any defensive interference. The ball went straight into the goal, becoming the equalizer. During this process, Kim Da-sol collided with a teammate and was left bleeding, leading to his substitution for Hwang Byeong-kun.

Both teams fiercely exchanged attacks until the end for the three points. In the 40th minute, Lucas' sharp curling shot barely missed the goal post. In the final moments of the match, a confrontation occurred between Choi Jun and Mateus, escalating tensions.

Ultimately, no further goals were scored. A strong shot from Lingard just before the end of the match was also bravely blocked by Anyang's defense. The match, which was literally like a war, ended in a 1-1 draw.

[Photo] Provided by the Korea Professional Football Federation.

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