Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Osaka: Coach Choi Yong-soo knows Korea Republic’s FC Seoul face a huge task to score at least three goals in Wednesdays’ AFC Champions League last 16 second leg with Gamba Osaka in Japan, but has backed the former finalists to come out fighting at Expo '70 Stadium.
Group H runners-up FC Seoul had been on top for the majority of the first leg last week at home only to concede three goals in the space of 24 second half minutes.
And despite substitute Yun Ju-tae netting a stoppage time consolation for FC Seoul, the 2013 finalists need to score at least three goals to remain in contention for a fourth quarter-final appearance in five years.
“We are not favourites to progress to the next round at this moment, but we know that we have just played the first half. In football, anything can happen,” said FC Seoul coach Choi.
“Three goals are necessary to advance to the quarter-finals. We want to pay attention to defense while fighting aggressively.”
Having secured a place in the group stage after beating Vietnam’s Hanoi T&T in the play-offs, FC Seoul had remained in contention for a third consecutive place in the last eight after claiming a last-gasp victory over Japan’s Kashima Antlers to secure second place in Group H behind China’s Guangzhou Evergrande.
But last week on their return to Japan, Choi’s side were not granted the same fortune as Takashi Usami scored twice while Koki Yonekaru was also on target for J.League treble winners Gamba before Yun gave FC Seoul a glimmer of hope for the return fixture.
The defeat ended FC Seoul’s three match winning streak and seven game unbeaten run in all competitions having followed up their dramatic win over Kashima with domestic successes over Busan I’Park and Jeonnam Dragons.
“As the head coach, I trust my players will fight for the result until the final whistle,” added Choi.
FC Seoul are out to follow up last year’s return to the semi-finals last year having lost the 2013 final on away goals to China’s Guangzhou.
Photo: WSG