Gangwon FC is set to make its historic debut on the Asian stage, facing off against Shanghai Shenhua (China) in the first leg of the 2025-26 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite (ACLE) Eastern League Stage. The match will be held at Songam Sports Town in Chuncheon on the 16th.
The starting lineup for Gangwon includes Choi Byung-chan, Yoon Il-rok, Koo Bon-cheol, Hong Cheol, Kim Do-hyun, Park Ho-young, Cho Hyun-tae, Kim Kang-guk, Kim Dae-woo, Gabriel, and Lee Kwang-yeon. A strong bench awaits, including Seo Min-woo, Kim Dae-won, Kang Yoon-gu, Kim Gun-hee, and others, providing ample options for tactical adjustments.
After a sensational K-League 1 performance last year, finishing second, Gangwon is making its first Asian appearance in 17 years since the club's inception. Their journey includes challenging matches against Chengdu Rongcheng, Vissel Kobe, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Machida Zelvia, Buriram United, Shanghai Port, and Melbourne City.
Gangwon is determined to secure their first victory in their ACL debut against Shanghai Shenhua. The team's morale is high, riding a six-game unbeaten streak in the league, including consecutive wins against Gwangju FC, Pohang Steelers, and FC Seoul.
Shanghai Shenhua, a powerhouse in the Chinese Super League (CSL), boasts three Super League titles and four CFA Cup titles. Last season, they finished as league runner-up, securing their spot in the ACLE finals.
Key Matchup: Gangwon's Offense vs. Shenhua's Defense
The game promises an exciting clash between Gangwon's in-form attack and Shanghai Shenhua's solid defense. Can Gangwon's debutants overcome the Chinese giants? Tune in to find out!
Players to Watch
- Choi Byung-chan: A key player in Gangwon's midfield.
- Yoon Il-rok: A potential game-changer with his attacking prowess.
- Shanghai Shenhua's Key Defenders: Vital to stopping Gangwon's attack.