Jeonbuk Hyundai must overcome the away jinx on its way to the round of 16. Jeonbuk will host Kitchee SC at Hong Kong Stadium in Hong Kong on Monday at 7 p.m. ET for the fifth leg of their 2023-2024 Asian Champions League (ACL) Group F matchup. Jeonbuk is at a crossroads in the ACL Round of 16. Jeonbuk is currently second in Group F with a record of 2-2-2 and 6 points (+1 goal difference). They hold onto second place on goal difference, ahead of third-place Ryan City (6 points, goal difference -1).
Jeonbuk was considered to be in the “honey pot” after the group stage draw. Instead of being paired with teams from demanding leagues like Japan, China, and Australia, they were drawn with teams from so-called fringe leagues like Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Compared to other K League teams such as Ulsan Hyundai, Incheon United, and Pohang Steelers, the group was considered a good one. Jeonbuk was expected to top the group with ease, given their superior strength.
However, when the lid is lifted, a completely different picture is unfolding.
Jeonbuk has already lost two games. Both of them were away from home. Of course, traveling to the ACL is not easy. While it’s cold in Korea, 먹튀검증 Thailand and Singapore have warmer temperatures, which makes it harder to adjust to the conditions. In the case of Singapore, there was also the added variable of artificial turf. Jeonbuk suffered a 2-3 loss against Bangkok United on October 4, followed by a 0-2 defeat against Ryan City on October 8. Considering all the variables, it was a bitter and shocking defeat. Not only the result, but also the content.
Jeonbuk needs to win both of their remaining matches to reach the round of 16. With Bangkok currently sitting atop Group F with 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw), it won’t be easy to pull off an upset. If Bangkok, which plays on the same day as Jeonbuk, catches Ryan City, an upset would be impossible. In this season’s ACL, the first-place finisher in each group advances to the round of 16, while the three best-placed teams in each of the East Asian groups (Groups F through J) advance to the knockout rounds. As it stands, Jeonbuk is out of the group stage.
For now, Jeonbuk needs to take care of business from the get-go.
Jeonbuk won the first leg 2-1 at home. It was expected to be a one-sided victory, but they came from behind to win. The away game is expected to be even more difficult. First, Jeonbuk will have to overcome the away jinx. Jeonbuk still has a final match against Ulsan, where the ACLE ticket war is at stake, but they are putting all their efforts into this match. For Jeonbuk, 사설토토 reaching the round of 16 in the ACL is a matter of pride after a 10-year absence from the league and FA Cup.
