Asian Champions League group battles continue, Malky Mackay sacked at Wigan, and some EPL & dfB Pokal (German Cup) fixtures for you, but first some ACL results today already in, how did Seongnam and FC Seoul do?
Earlier in Group H, FC Seoul visited ACL defending champs Western Sydney and drew 1-1 (AFC match report here), a better performance in the 2nd half allowed Seoul to equalize, Cha Du-Ri and company created a number of chances that led to a late Go Yo-Han strike. From the AFC: “Led by midfield maestro Molina, FC Seoul were dominant in an open second half and finally scored after 72 minutes when Cha burst down the right flank and sent in a low cross that Go finished with glee.”
Group F saw Seongnam host Guangzhou R&F, a scoreless draw despite a flurry of shots by Seongnam in the latter stages of the game (AFC match report here). The hosts were disappointed they couldn’t come away with all 3 points with that offensive onslaught. It’s a tight group with Seongnam level on points at the top with Buriram United (Seongnam just behind on goal diff). *attendance at Seongnam an unimpressive 5,777. Come on Seongnam supporters, show some K pride and represent at the ACL!
WEDNESDAY ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:
Group E
| BECAMEX BINH DUONG 7am EST / 8pm Korea | JEONBUK HYUNDAI MOTORS |
Should be a golazo fest for Jeonbuk.
Group G
| SUWON SAMSUNG FC 6:30 am EST / 7:30 pm Korea | BRISBANE ROAR |
Given the last group match at Brisbane, a 3-3 whirlwind affair with multiple lead changes and Brisbane’s stoppage time equalizer, this could be a fairly open and entertaining match. Expect a strong turnout and unusually good atmosphere for a Korean hosted ACL match. Both clubs are level on points and fighting for 2nd place behind group leader Bejing Guoan.
Europe midweek listings, we go to Korean Footballers Abroad:
Yun Suk Young has been ruled out of QPR’s trip to Aston Villa at 2:45 PM ET (NBCSN). Yun got a concussion with about 20 minutes to go over the weekend, and was subbed out with just after 80 minutes. Before getting subbed out, he didn’t have to do too much as QPR pushed to a very large early lead and West Brom didn’t attack much from his side though he did have a few nice blocks and clearances.
Kim Jin Su & Hoffenheim go to Dortmund for the next round of the DFB Pokal. 2:30 PM ET on ESPN3 Tuesday April 7
The Wednesday dFB Pokal matchup between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich won’t feature Son Heung-Min, he’s still suspended (game 2 of 3) from an earlier red card violation.
Meanwhile, Malky Mackay with less than 139 days in charge of Wigan, was sacked following a home 0-2 defeat to Derby (Kim Bo-Kyung did well in that match despite the loss. He was once again one of the Lactic’s more creative attacking players, nearly found the back of the net with some nifty chances). Kimbo’s future with Wigan is clearly in doubt, but having been consistently a strong performer for them since his January move may boost his chances at finding a quality club should Wigan fall to League 1. Fun fact (unless you’re a Wigan supporter): adding yesterday’s home loss, Wigan has failed to win a league match at home since August 30, 2014 according to the BBC. Kimbo and Malky part ways yet again, previously having worked together at Cardiff from 2012-2013.
Definitely someone to add to your KPA radar: Yesterday a pro debut for Choi Kyoung-Rok in the 2.Bundesliga – lets reword that to a spectacular debut as Choi scored 2 goals and added an assist for St Pauli as they routed Fortuna Dusseldorf 4-0. Choi has been with their academy (I think?) and now the 20 year old forward/attacking mid will be a force to reckon with in Germany.
Schlusspfiff! @fcstpauli schlägt @f95 nach einer Gala-Leistung mit 4:0! #STPF95 http://t.co/gQCgLKmJbi pic.twitter.com/Qk32Cb8ceN
— BUNDESLIGA (@Bundesliga_DE) April 6, 2015
and I have to include Tavern contributor Takeuchi’s reaction as he’s been tracking Choi for awhile now:
no shit, what a debut by Choi. 2 goals and now an assist!! WTF is this..
— Takeuchi (@Takeuchee) April 6, 2015
Choi's day is over. Replaced in 67th min to a big standing ovation/cheer/applause by the home supporters.
— Takeuchi (@Takeuchee) April 6, 2015
Someone get Uli Stielike’s attention…
Choi Kyoung-Rok is forward/attacking mid. His main position is 2nd FW (similar to Ryu Seung-Woo but much more direct like Sonaldo). Anyways, yea.. I kept track of him for nearly 2 years now. Really happy with his debut (granted, he made the bench before when he was with U-19 last season). His contract is ending this season with 1 year club option (not sure if it is valid in 3.liga should they get relegated) but I’ll keep everyone up to date with my sporadic updates.
Oh, he’s not a right winger, I’ll get that fixed, Thx! I’m psyched he did well, personal progress quantified so far for that young man