
Professional football K League 1 side Gangwon FC pulled off a remarkable upset to beat leaders Ulsan Hyundai, lifting them off the bottom of the table and out of a 15-match winless streak at the same time. It’s been 11 years since they’ve smiled against Ulsan. Gangwon defeated Ulsan 2-0 in the 26th round of the Hana One Q K League 2023 on 12 December at their home ground, Gangneung Sports Complex. The victory was significant for Gangwon in more ways than one .It was the first win since Yoon Jung-hwan took over as head coach in mid-June, and the first in 105 days since a 1-0 win over Jeonbuk Hyundai in the 10th round on 29 April. The victory, which ended a 15-match winless streak (seven draws and eight defeats), also lifted Gangwon (20-3, 11 points) off the bottom of the table. Earlier in the day, Suwon Samsung (19-4 wins, 7 draws and 15 losses) drew with Jeonbuk Hyundai to move up to 11th place .It was also a monumental victory over their ‘nemesis’ Ulsan, their first in 11 years. It’s even better for Gangwon, who have been winless for 11 years with four draws and 21 defeats since their 2-1 victory on 26 May 2012.Meanwhile, Ulsan (57-18-1, 3-5-0), which seemed to be cementing its dominance, has faltered with one win, one 스포츠토토링크 draw and three losses in its last five matches .After falling 1-3 to bottom-placed Suwon on the 15th of last month, Ulsan was once again stunned by a lower-ranked team. Kangwon, who centred their attack around Gabriel and Wellington, fired 11 shots on target in the first half alone to put pressure on leaders Ulsan. In the 20th minute, Kim Dae-won’s cross from the right flank was met by Gabriel’s header, which hit the crossbar and then deflected off goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo. Gangwon threatened the opposition goal two minutes later when Gabriel fired another shot from the edge of the box, but was denied by Cho Hyun-woo in successive saves. The hosts finally took the lead in the 37th minute. On a counter-attack, Gabriel’s heeled ball was finished by Shin Min-woo, who leapt from the penalty spot to open the Ulsan goal, which was saved by Cho Hyun-woo .Ulsan coach Hong Myung-bo, who was heavily out-shot 2 to 11 in the first half, brought on Lee Cheong-yong and Seol Young-woo at the start of the second half to try and turn things around.