FC Anyang vs. Suwon Samsung: Fans preview the return of the Original Clasico

Round 8 of the K League 2 season throws up a genuine title six-pointer as first meets second at Anyang Stadium. FC Anyang are the only unbeaten team in the top two divisions but Suwon have shown glimpses of form and are just a point back. Who will land an early title low in the first original clasico of the season?

Match details

Match: FC Anyang vs. Suwon Samsung.

Date: Sunday, April 21st, 2024. 14:00.

Venue: Anyang Stadium.

Tickets: Ticketlink. Prices start at ₩11,000.

How to watch: K League TV

Record so far

FC Anyang

Position: 1st

Played: 6 Won: 5 Drew: 1 Loss: 0 Goals For: 13 Goals Against: 5 Goal Difference: 8

Points: 16

Suwon Samsung

Position: 2nd

Played: 7 Won: 5 Drew: 0 Loss: 2 Goals For: 12 Goals Against: 6 Goal Difference: 6

Points: 15

For this preview, I have asked a fan of FC Anyang and Suwon Samsung to offer their thoughts...

Lucas Montagnac Naïb runs the FC Anyang English Twitter page.

Mimi Burke can be found on Instagram (@mimicb55), and she'll be in Anyang on Sunday.

LMN: A very good start to the season for Anyang (5 consecutive wins). Anyang currently have the best goal difference in the league (13 goal scored/5 conceded in 6 matches). Defense have been impressive even though we conceded 3 goals last match against Busan IPark. When we went from 3-0 to 3-3 I thought it was over and I didn’t expect the team to comeback at all. But they still managed to score that 4th goal in the added time. Securing the 3 points and staying undefeated in a such way was impressive.

Former North Korean international Ri Yong-jik has been brilliant since arriving in early spring. 

MB: As I expected, it started off difficult. It seemed like we struggled to adapt at first but once the team found their feet and gelled better we started really showing up and performing really well. I definitely underestimated the teams in K League 2; they’ve really put their all into the games so far. I think those teams had a strong will to prove themselves against a prestigious team and that has really showed in the tough fights we’ve had so far.

Return of the original clasico

LMN: A very important match that we unfortunately have never won, this match used to be a real clasico in the '90s, when Anyang was the (infamous) LG Cheetahs. Since Suwon fans strongly supported the creation of FC Anyang (displaying banners and taking part in protests in the 2010’s) this rivalry is not as strong as before. Those 2 teams also share a common enemy: FC Seoul. I expect a large crowd to show up, Suwon fans always come in numbers. 

I do think this match will be the most important of the season (so far), not only because it would likely be the highest attendance of the season but also as because we are separated by only 1 point on the rankings. Winning would mean putting Suwon 4 points away and strengthening our league position.

MB: I can’t pretend to know too much about the original clasico, from what I know the rivalries with Seoul have superseded this one. I think everyone loves a big rivalry for a season, and there’s definitely a gap now the Super Match and the Suwon Derby aren’t around. Personally I think any importance placed on this clasico could be a touch of nostalgia, but I’m looking forward to seeing the atmosphere on Sunday and to see whether this does become our biggest game whilst we’re in League 2.

Who has impressed so far?

LMN: All the new signings made an immediate and significant impact. The 2 new Brazilian players adapted so quickly to K league; Matheus has scored 4 and assisted 2 in 6 matches, while Danrlei has scored 3 and assisted 2. The North Korean Thiago Motta, Ri Yong-jik, have been a very needed reinforcement in the backline, the metronome can play as a center back or as a midfielder and impressed me the most.

Danelei celebrates after scoring versus Busan.

MB: Kim Hyun for sure. I expected him to be a good player but the way he fits into the team and plays well with all of them is really noticeable. Yu Je-ho has also really stepped up this season, it makes a noticeable difference whenever he’s not in the midfield, he’s definitely a great asset for the team this season.

Kim Hyun has impressed since moving down the road from Castle Park.

Prediction for Sunday

Lucas: Anyang 2-1 Suwon

Mimi: Suwon to win but both teams to score.

Andrew: Anyang 2-2 Suwon

Goals predicted in Anyang but who picks up the points?

Prediction for the season

LMN: If we manage to stay away from injuries and selling players during transfer window (we always sell our best players half way through the season) then a direct promotion is achievable. Although I think finishing 2nd or 3rd is more realistic due to our lack of depth.

MB: I don’t think it will be easy sailing by any means, I imagine we’ll hover around the top of the table but we’ll have to consistently work hard for it. I’m intrigued to see how the team develops as the season goes on. I fully believe the fans will be behind them the whole time, so I’m really excited to watch the season unfold.

I’m cautious to predict an easy return to League 1 but as long as we keep playing and supporting like we have been, I can see a successful promotion on the cards.

K League United will be at Anyang Stadium on Sunday for this blockbuster K League 2 match. Stayed tuned for post-game insights and, hopefully, an interview with a player.