VAR silence, Dugandžić roars: Daegu’s night derailed | OneFootball

Daegu FC 0–1 FC Seoul: Dugandžić Strike Breaks Seoul’s Winless Run in Tense K League 1 Encounter

Match Summary

At DGB Daegu Bank Park, FC Seoul edged past Daegu FC with a single Marko Dugandžić goal early in the second half, sealing a 1-0 victory in Round 14 of the K League 1 regular season. This result lifts Seoul to ninth, while Daegu remain in the lower reaches of the table with further pressure mounting on caretaker Seo Dong-Won.

Tactical Setups and Key Events

Daegu lined up in a 3-4-3, reverting to a three-back system as they continue to search for defensive stability amid a challenging spell of results. FC Seoul set out with a 4-4-2, led by Kim Gi-Dong, with Jesse Lingard and Dugandžić forming the forward pairing.

The game’s decisive moment arrived in the 48th minute, Dugandžić finishing for his fourth goal of the campaign. Daegu thought they had found a way back when Edgar Silva netted in the 66th minute, but VAR intervention ruled out the goal, heightening the sense of frustration among the home side. The match was punctuated by cautions for both teams, including early bookings for Jeong Seung-Won and Lee Chan-Dong, reflecting a physical contest that saw neither side shy away from challenges.

Squad News and Injury Context

Daegu’s attacking options were blunted by the absence of club ace Cesinha, sidelined with a hamstring injury. Recent injuries and preseason setbacks have also left the squad thin, with Park Dae-Hoon and defensive mainstay Kim Jin-Hyuk both missing significant time. The club continues under interim management, with Seo Dong-Won tasked with steadying the ship after a difficult start that has included a five-game losing streak and just three wins from thirteen matches.

FC Seoul arrived in Daegu with their own selection issues, missing veteran midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng and, more recently, Jeong Seung-Won due to injury. Despite the presence of high-profile names such as Lingard and new addition Moon Seon-Min, Seoul had struggled for attacking consistency prior to this match, and this win marks their first in eight league games.

Match Atmosphere and Emotional Undercurrents

The fixture carried additional narrative weight as the so-called “Jeong Seung-Won Derby,” following his recent transfer from Daegu to FC Seoul. His early yellow card underlined a charged atmosphere, while the away side’s defensive organisation limited Daegu’s attacking forays. Both managers faced pressing questions post-match, with Kim Gi-Dong highlighting the importance of the result for morale, and Seo Dong-Won facing scrutiny over Daegu’s lack of cutting edge and defensive lapses.

League Standings and Fixtures Ahead

With these three points, FC Seoul move up to ninth, breaking a protracted winless run and offering a slight boost for a squad under pressure to turn investment into results. Daegu, meanwhile, remain in 11th and now look ahead to a difficult away trip against leaders Daejeon Citizen. Seoul host Suwon City FC next, seeking to build on this result with squad depth and injury management still front of mind for both clubs.

Off-Field Impact and Supporter Sentiment

Daegu’s recent form has prompted growing unrest among supporters, exacerbated by injuries to key players and an uncertain managerial situation. FC Seoul’s fans, though buoyed by the win, continue to express caution given the persistent challenge of squad rotation and injuries, especially in midfield. The attention surrounding Jeong Seung-Won’s return to Daegu highlighted the emotional cross-currents at play, with the media focusing on Seoul’s lack of consistency and Daegu’s ongoing struggles with squad depth and stability.