Moon Shines and Lee Dong-jun gets off the mark as Jeonbuk Progress to Round of 16

 

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors finally brought what has been a difficult 2023 campaign to a close with a hard-earned 3-2 victory against Bangkok United in the final group stage match of the AFC Champions League, in turn securing their progression to the knockout stages.

And so it was for this iteration of Jeonbuk that success this season would not be measured in trophies or ACL qualification but in progression from an AFC Champions League group that many considered them favourites for via securing one of the three best runner-up spots. 

It is perhaps not the Jeonbuk many have become accustomed to fearing in the last ten years but for manager Dan Petrescu, having taken over in the summer to right a troublesome start, it is a side that finds itself in transition and now one that can look to build in the off-season with the promise of Champions League football for at least another round.

Faced with needing a result, Dan Petrescu opted for a 4-4-2 shape for Jeonbuk’s last game of 2023, opting for a partnership of Song Min-kyu and Bak Jae-yong up front with support from the wings in the shape of Moon Seon-min and Lee Dong-jun respectively. The manager also installed both Nana Boateng and Maeng Seong-ung in central midfield to provide additional defensive cover to the backline.

Bangkok United, meanwhile, opted for a similar lineup to that which had faced Lion City Sailors in Match Day 5 and that which took Khonkaen United in domestic competition at the weekend. This was despite progression and their place at the top of the group being secured, with the manager potentially looking to provide his players experience ahead of their foray into the last 16 early next year.

Any hopes of this being a simple task for the hosts were quickly dashed within just three minutes as Bangkok United took advantage of a backline lacking urgency to cross in behind and convert via Wanchai sliding at the far post.

Jeonbuk’s woes continued as Nana Boateng pulled up unchallenged shortly after the half-hour mark and had to be replaced by Lee Soo-bin in the first change of the evening.

Moon Seon-min did convert to level things up shortly before the interval though, pouncing on the miscommunication of the Bangkok backline as Lee Dong-jun’s ball slipped through into space for the winger to capitalise and pull the hosts back into a position of progression to the last sixteen.

Bak Jae-yong was provided the opportunity to put Jeonbuk ahead shortly after the hour mark after he was played through with just the goalkeeper to beat, yet the former Anyang striker was unable to place his shot beyond the onrushing ‘keeper. Bak continues to be a work in progress for Jeonbuk after perhaps being handed a rather large mantle to live up to following his summer transfer, yet failure to convert these kinds of opportunities will only make his case for inclusion next season more difficult.

Song Min-kyu was then on hand a few minutes late to nearly convert, after a control and volley saw his effort ricochet off the woodwork. The pressure would continue then to build moments later as Ahn Hyun-beom would see his net-destined deflected wide by the Bangkok defence.

Finally, Lee Dong-jun would break the deadlock though with his first goal for the club. Played through by Song Min-kyu, Lee ran through and slotted past Patiwat Khammai in net to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.

Not keen to settle on finally scoring his first, Lee would convert almost an exact copy minutes later for those who missed it, this time with Moon Seon-min the architect, doubling Jeonbuk’s lead and all but ensuring their passage to the knockout stages.

Bangkok United were not finished though as substitute Rangrath found himself in possession of a loose ball at the far post from a late corner. The initial headed shot from teammate Everton saw itself blocked and rolled outwards to the awaiting midfielder.

However, despite six minutes of injury time, Jeonbuk were able to maintain their lead and at least find a positive note to cap off what has been a disappointing season by their lofty standards.