Seoul, South Korea - Gangwon FC has clinched their place in the top division of South Korean professional football for the next season, following a decisive win in a critical playoff match on Saturday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Gangwon emerged victorious against Gimpo FC with a 2-1 score in the second leg of their K League promotion-relegation playoff. After a goalless draw in the first leg, Gangwon secured a 2-1 aggregate win, ensuring their position in the K League 1 for the 2024 season.
Gimpo FC, a club in only its second year, will remain in the lower division, missing the chance to advance to the top tier this season.
Gangwon's triumph was spearheaded by Vitor Gabriel, who scored both goals for the team. The turning point in the match came when Gimpo striker Luis Fabian Mina, the K League 2's leading scorer this year, received a red card for elbowing Gangwon defender Marko Tuci. This incident occurred moments before Gabriel's go-ahead goal at the 75-minute mark.
Gimpo FC had earned their playoff spot by finishing third in the K League 2 regular season and subsequently defeating Gyeongnam FC in the K League 2 playoff. Gangwon FC, on the other hand, was relegated to the playoff after finishing 10th in the K League 1, narrowly avoiding relegation to the K League 2 for the first time since 2016.
The match began with both teams struggling to create clear chances. Gimpo had the first half's best opportunity when Juninho Rocha's counterattack effort hit the crossbar. Gangwon broke the deadlock early in the second half with Gabriel's precise strike, only for Gimpo to equalize through a deflected free kick turned in by defender Jo Sung-gwon.
However, after Mina's dismissal, Gangwon regained control and sealed their victory with Gabriel's second goal, a volley from a cross by Hwang Mun-ki.