Seoul: Table-topping Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors extended their lead over second-placed FC Seoul to five points on Wednesday as the two AFC Champions League quarter-finalists enjoyed contrasting fortunes during the latest round of K League Classic action.
At the Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Jeonbuk claimed all three points thanks to a 2-1 win over Jeonnam Dragons, but Choi Kang-hee’s charges were forced to come from behind after visiting defender Lee Ji-min gave Jeonnam a first minute lead.
However goals in the 26th and 33rd minutes from Korea Republic internationals Lee Jae-sung and Lee Jong-ho proved the difference as Jeonbuk extended their record breaking unbeaten domestic run to an impressive 17 matches.
Meanwhile, FC Seoul suffered a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma and saw star striker Adriano dismissed for violent conduct.
The Brazilian forward’s 13th minute header – his 11th of the campaign - had given Seoul an early lead at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, but Tiago Alves with his 12th of the season and Hwang Eui-jo hit back before the break to give Seongnam a half-time lead.
Worse was to come for Seoul just eight minutes into the second period as Pitu’s free-kick struck a post before cannoning off goalkeeper Yoo Sang-hoon and into the net.
Seoul’s agony was further compounded some 16 minutes from time when Adriano saw red for an ugly clash with a Seongnam defender.
Jeonbuk and FC Seoul both face Chinese opposition in the quarter-finals of the 2016 AFC Champions League, with 2006 winners Jeonbuk facing Shanghai SIPG and FC Seoul taking on Shandong Luneng, who they defeated 4-1 in Jinan in the Group Stage.
Source: the-afc.com