Bluewings finally exorcise their Seoul demons in nervy win | OneFootball

Suwon Bluewings have beaten Seoul E-Land for the first time in K League 2 after a bruising, battling, and somewhat fortunate win in Mokdong on Saturday night.

Stanislav Iljutcenko scored the only goal of the match as Suwon Bluewings just about kept Incheon United in view after this scrappy win in Mokdong. When the full-time whistle went, Bluewings' manager Byun Sung-hwan sank to the turf like several of his players. The three points were welcome after a poor run of form, but that it came here, in a stadium they had suffered so much hurt in recent times, will mean a huge amount to the club.

Before today, the sides had faced each other five times in the K League, with E-Land winning all five. Their win in Big Bird last summer actually marked the beginning of Byun's reign in charge of the club. Following that loss, legendary midfielder and then novice manager, Yeom Ki-hun, walked out to face a disgruntled fan base and offer his resignation. Byun was appointed a few days later. This victory will have meant so much for him.

He'll also be delighted by a rare clean sheet, which he referenced post-match, and three points to keep the heat on Incheon. His team are not playing well - and didn't here, but all that matters is the victory. After a promising first half, Suwon were second best for the whole of the second period, as Seoul pounded the visiting goal in the final moments. It was deeply worrying how many they created in those frantic final exchanges. Plenty to work on in training next week, but at least from a position of strength.

Incheon remain top, 10 points clear despite seeing a 4-0 lead whittled down to 4-3 as struggling Cheonan City mounted the sort of comeback only they are capable of. The gap to Bucheon is now is seven points after Bucheon's surprise defeat earlier in the day.

Guessing the Bluewings' lineup these days is as difficult as a crash course in applied mathematics. The composition of the rearguard, especially, would give even the most ardent supporter a headache. K League's official formation sheet distributed to the media showed Suwon lining up in a 4-4-2, but, in reality, Byun Sung-hwan went for three at the back, two wingbacks, two holding midfielders, and three up top.

The challenge, as ever, for Suwon is preventing the opposition from scoring first. Something that has been a major torn in the side for months. It doesn't matter how much attacking quality you have; chasing matches is a very difficult task. Jang Seok-hwan (fourth appearance of the season), Léo Andrade, and Hwang Seok-ho were the three entrusted with the duties of keeping Seoul at bay. Kim Min-woo slotted in for Lee Ki-jae at left-wingback with the recalled Jung Dong-yoon on the opposite side.

Stanislav Iljutcenko celebrates the only goal.

Hong Won-jin and Lee Min-hyeok were the midfield two, behind an exciting attacking threat of Stanislav Iljutcenko, Paulinho, and Matheus Serafim. Byun had plenty of forward options on the bench in the form of Park Ji-won, Kim Hyun, Kim Ji-hyun, and Kang Seong-jin in case the worst happened. Throughout the first half, Serafim and Byun were locked in a debate about where the Brazilian should stand. Serafim enjoys hugging the touchline before exploding infield, but Lee Min-hyeok was occupying that space. Lee, Byun, and Serafim didn't seem to know where Lee should be positioned. And, in the end, it was all very confusing.

Suwon took the lead on the half-hour. Serafim's shot-cross from the right side of the goal wasn't properly dealt with by goalkeeper Koo Sung-yoon. All Iljutcenko had to do was tap home from two yards, and the Bluewings were deservedly ahead. They could have doubled that lead a few minutes later, but Hong found the foot on the post.

The half-time stats provided were grim reading for the home team. They threatened on occasions, especially down their left with Bae Seo-jun, but no shots on goal to show for their effort was a poor return.

Seoul manager Kim Do-kyun only made one change at the break, replacing Bae with Byeon Gyeong-jun. The biggest impact, however, appeared to be his team talk. Seoul were revitalised after the break, creating three good chances as Suwon hung on. Visiting manager Byun was forced into his own change on 60 minutes. Paulinho made way for Kim Ji-hyun. Suwon were beginning to creak at the back, but the manager made an offensive alteration.

Suwon weathered that storm, but it didn't last long. Ever since Kim took charge of Seoul, the team's reputation has changed immeasurably. They play with such great pace, pulling Suwon to pieces with exceptional one-touch football, freeing up wingers and overlapping full-backs. It feels like they have more men on the pitch as they pour forward down the flanks.

Space was at a premium in Mokdong.

Byun couldn't contain the damage effectively. He was basically replacing forward players with other forward players when Suwon needed more legs in midfield. Seoul registered three shots on target in the space of 30 seconds. It was getting very edgy in the away end. Despite a strong opening 45, Suwon were wrecked and truly hanging on as time ticked slowly by.

Up next

Seoul's promotion bid took a major hit following this loss. They end the night in sixth, one place from a play-off berth, but several clubs around them will be in action on Sunday. They make the very short trip to Bucheon FC 1995 next Saturday, September 20, at 16:30. Bucheon are having a superb season, but they were inexplicably stuffed in Asan today.

Suwon will be back in action next Saturday. They return to Big Bird to face Gyeongnam, themselves completely out of form.

Attendance: 8,299.