Gwangju awakened against sluggish IPark (Gwangju FC 3-1 Busan IPark)

Busan IPark suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss at fellow promoted side Gwangju on Sunday.
Todd Wilde summarises the match.

Match Summary

Busan IPark's trip to Jeolla-namdo on Sunday was an unfruitful one, as Gwangju came from behind to claim a convincing 3-1 victory at the Guus Hiddink Stadium.

Both teams had good chances early on, as Lee Dong-jun headed over before Rustamjon Ashmurtov thought he had given the hosts an early lead. The Uzbek international's scrambled finish was ruled out by VAR after a foolish handball from Choi Jun-hyeok. Gwangju went close again as Willyan cleverly dispossessed Kim Moon-hwan when the international right back thought he was in acres of space, but his curled effort from 15 yards hit the woodwork.

Romulo hit the post for Busan after meeting Lee Jeong-hyeop's cushioned header, before he put his side ahead just before half time. Lee Jeong-hyeop was first to the rebound from Lee Dong-jun's close range shot and did well to find Romulo in space ten yards out, whose left footed first time strike left the hosts shell shocked after an even first 45 minutes.

Willyan was unfortunate to find the post with his curled strike early in the first half

Rather than rue their misfortunate at being a goal behind, Gwangju were highly impressive in the second period, dominating the K League 1's other recently promoted side. The introduction of Kim Jeong-hwan at the break brought an urgency and class to the right wing, as Willyan moved into a more central position alongside compatriot Felipe. Lee Jeong-hyeop and Park Joon-gang went close for the visitors, before the Yellows drew level. Wing back Lee Eu-ddeum's excellent run down the left flank found Willyan, who expertly took the ball down 20 yards out. The Brazilian made veteran CB Kang Min-soo look foolish, as he shimmied then curled a fantastic strike into the bottom right corner, leaving the keeper with no chance.

Wave after wave of attack followed from the home side as they pushed for a winner. Willyan and Kim Jeong-hwan went close before Kim turned provider, as his through ball easily found Felipe, catching Tursunov Dostonbek napping after he snuck behind the Uzbek defender at the right time. Last season's K League 2 MVP converted a move straight off the training ground, easily finding the net from ten yards out. Busan substitute Gustavo Vintecinco almost secured an unlikely equaliser for the away side as his volley was well saved, yet Gwangju were ruthless on the counter attack, as Felipe and Kim set up substitute Kim Ju-gong for a tap-in in stoppage time.

Match Highlights: