Mateus (28, FC Anyang) is proving the prestige of the 'K League 2 MVP' on the K League 1 stage as well. This time, he shook the net of FC Seoul, but sadly, he could not secure a victory for the team.

FC Anyang drew 1-1 with FC Seoul in the Hana Bank K League 1 2025 Round 12, held at Anyang Sports Complex at 7 p.m. on the 6th.

As a result, Anyang swallowed its disappointment after failing to win in the local derby played at home for the first time. They also failed to avenge the 1-2 defeat recorded during the away match in February. With this being their first draw of the season, Anyang has 16 points (5 wins, 1 draw, 7 losses) and is ranked 7th.

On that day, Anyang started off on a good note. After solidly blocking Seoul’s attacks in the first half, they seized the initiative with Mateus' opening goal in the 7th minute of the second half. Seoul did not collapse easily. In the 36th minute of the second half, Moon Seon-min equalized with a header from Lingard's corner kick.

After the match, Mateus, who met in the mixed zone, said, "First of all, it was really tough. It was a really difficult match. We worked hard to earn 3 points, so it's disappointing to only get 1 point. However, we played well. I will prepare better for the next match."

The opening goal created by Mateus’ run following Thomas’ through pass was a well-planned play. He smiled and said, "We trained all week to utilize the spaces when they appeared. Thomas connected a great pass for the score. I will invite the Brazilian players to dinner sometime."

Mateus was well aware of the relationship entangled with the local issues of Anyang and Seoul. He said, "I have heard stories about Seoul from my agent since I signed last year. Both the first match and today's match were really important games, and I really wanted to show the fans a good game with a win. I am very disappointed that we couldn't do that. However, since we have another game coming up, I will prepare better and make sure to achieve victory then."

Was it because of that? On that day, Mateus did not hesitate to engage in mind games with the Seoul players. He said, "All the players were likely trying to win. I also wanted to gift the fans a victory in such a match, so I kept fighting to win, whether I had the ball or not. I think that’s why chances were created."

Wrapping up the first round robin in K League 1, Mateus said, "There are more excellent players in K League 1 than in K League 2, and there are national team players as well. We are preparing a lot for what we need to do as a team here. I am currently adapting well. I have adjusted to the tempo to a certain extent. I look forward to what lies ahead."

After losing 1-2 in the first match against Seoul and drawing 1-1 in the second match, Anyang's third confrontation between the two teams is scheduled to take place at Seoul World Cup Stadium in August. Mateus emphasized, "Every game is precious, so I will prepare better to ensure we can win."

[Photo] Provided by the Korea Professional Football League.

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