Pohang Steelers came from behind to grab a precious 2-1 win against fellow former winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors Tuesday in the first leg of their all-Korean clash in the Asian Champions League last 16.
The visitors fell behind shortly after the break but they were back on terms just five minutes later before Go Moo-Yul fired the winner 16 minutes from time.
The victory gives Pohang, the 2009 winners, the advantage ahead of next week’s return against Jeonbuk, who lifted the trophy in 2006 and again reached the final in 2011.
After a scoreless and cagey first half, Jeonbuk went ahead on 53 minutes through Lee Jae-Sung’s thumping header. But their lead was short-lived and Son Jun-Ho put Pohang level on 58 minutes.
It was the first goal Jeonbuk had conceded at home all tournament, and Pohang inflicted more pain when Go steered home a tight shot on 74 minutes to put the visitors ahead for the first time.
The game threatened more twists and turns before ending 2-1 with Pohang, who lead the domestic table by two points from Jeonbuk, maintaining the edge over their rivals and staying unbeaten in this year’s Champions League.
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