Silva strikes late as Seoul edge VAR drama | OneFootball

Gimcheon Sangmu FC 0–1 FC Seoul: Late Lucas Silva Goal Decides Tight K League 1 Contest

Overview

FC Seoul claimed a 1-0 win over Gimcheon Sangmu FC in K League 1’s 16th round, with Lucas Silva scoring the decisive goal in the closing stages. The fixture at Gimcheon Stadium saw both managers make tactical adjustments throughout, with squad rotation and recent injuries shaping the encounter.

Key Match Events

The game’s lone goal arrived in the 81st minute, as Lucas Silva finished a move set up by Kim Ju-Sung. Seoul’s approach, featuring Jesse Lingard in the forward line supported by Moon Seon-Min and Jeong Seung-Won, produced more attacking momentum after a conservative first half. Gimcheon pushed for an equaliser and thought they had scored in stoppage time, only for Seo Min-Woo’s effort to be chalked off following a VAR review for a foul. In total, both sides used their benches extensively—Gimcheon made five substitutions, Seoul four—reflecting the ongoing search for balance and freshness amid schedule and squad changes.

Discipline played a role in the match’s rhythm. Kim Kang-San (Gimcheon) was booked before halftime, while Choi Jun (Seoul) received a caution deep into stoppage time as FC Seoul saw out the result.

Tactical Notes

Both teams set up in a 4-4-2 formation. Gimcheon Sangmu focused on a compact defensive block, relying on quick transitions and wide play. They began with Kim Dong-Heon in goal and a back line featuring Kim Kang-San, Park Seung-Wook, Park Chan-Yong, and Choi Ye-Hoon. Mo Jae-Hyeon, Kim Bong-Soo, Seo Min-Woo, and Kim Seung-Seob handled midfield duties, with Lee Dong-Gyeong and Yu Kang-Hyun up front.

FC Seoul’s 4-4-2 looked to blend creativity with directness, leaning on Lucas Silva and the experienced Jesse Lingard in attack. Defensive adjustments following the arrival of Kim Jin-Su and Yazan Alarab have brought more stability. The absence of injured midfielders Ki Sung-Yueng and Jeong Seung-Won continued to shape the visitors’ approach, requiring adaptation and more responsibility for other squad members.

VAR and Officiating

The match featured a notable VAR intervention in stoppage time, with Gimcheon Sangmu’s potential equalizer ruled out for a foul after review. This decision drew attention as part of a broader discussion about VAR use in the K League, with calls among supporters and the media for greater transparency from the league and refereeing authorities.

Squad and Transfer Dynamics

Squad turnover remains a major storyline for Gimcheon Sangmu, whose unique structure and military service obligations result in regular arrivals and departures. Key contributors—including Mo Jae-Hyeon, Kim Bong-Soo, and Park Seung-Wook—are set to leave in the coming transfer window, raising questions about continuity.

FC Seoul, meanwhile, has focused on integrating new signings and managing injuries. The introduction of Lucas Silva and Jesse Lingard continues to reshape their attack, while Marko Dugandžić’s recent involvement signals further changes up front. Defensive improvements, with Kim Jin-Su and Yazan Alarab forming a new pairing, have been notable in recent weeks.

Managerial and Off-field Context

For Gimcheon, recent speculation about head coach Chung Jung-Yong’s future—amid links to Daegu FC—has added an off-field dimension to the season. The coach remains in charge, expressing gratitude to players and supporters and acknowledging the challenges posed by frequent player turnover.

FC Seoul’s Kim Gi-Dong has addressed his ambitions for the club, focusing on restoring competitiveness. The away victory is viewed as an important result after a mixed start to the season marked by inconsistency, especially at home.

Current Form and Next Fixtures

Gimcheon Sangmu entered fifth in the league, with recent results including one win in five. They next host Suwon City FC. FC Seoul, who began the day in eighth, hope to build on this result as they prepare to face Jeju United FC at home. Both teams remain in flux, balancing ongoing integration of new signings with the demands of the league campaign.