FC Seoul plot revenge in decisive clash vs Beijing
FCSeoul could secure qualification to the 2020 AFC Champions League Round of 16 with a win against Beijing FC in Group E should the other group game end in a draw on Monday.
The previous game between the two was the first after the restart, and ended with the Chinese Super League side picking up the points with a 2-1 win courtesy of goals from Alan and Fernando, while veteran striker Park Chu-young’s penalty served only as consolation for head coach Lee Won-jun’s men.
FC Seoul’s hopes of sealing early qualification received a blow when they were stunned 2-1 by debutants Chiangrai
nited on Friday, but the K League 1 side could still advance with a game to spare should they defeat the group leaders on Monday as long as Chiangrai nited and Melbourne Victory draw their game later in the day.
“All matches in the AFC
Champions League are very important, but tomorrow especially it is very important for us,” said Lee.
“Last time we lost 2-1 but tomorrow we are ready to take revenge with a win. All the players have a strong desire to win and we are ready for tomorrow. After the disappointing defeat to Chiangrai
nited, we prepared for the next match and did not look back. We only want to focus on getting a result tomorrow.
“It is a tight schedule for all the players and staff, but it is the same for all the other teams.”
Lee’s counterpart Bruno Genesio led his Beijing FC side to secure qualification with a 100 record so far, and a point against FC Seoul would seal them the top spot in the group.
“The two games are very close, we did not have a lot of time to prepare, so there was a lot of emphasis on recovery,” said Genesio. “It is important to analyse the tactics of our team and the opponent. We used a lot of video to show the players our behaviour and what mistakes we made to avoid them, but also to show them the behaviours of the opponent on the pitch based on the previous game.
“It is important for us to continue with the momentum of winning, it is important to also keep the next rounds in mind.”