Gangwon FC loses to Gamba Osaka, relegated to ACL2

Gangwon FC has been relegated to the AFC Champions League 2 after a narrow 0-1 defeat to Japan's Gamba Osaka in a playoff match held at the Gangneung Stadium. The loss means Gangwon FC will compete in the second-tier continental competition, while Gamba Osaka secures a coveted spot in the premier AFC Champions League Elite.

The playoff match, a single-leg encounter, saw Gangwon FC, who qualified through their fifth-place finish in the K League 1 last season, face Gamba Osaka, the reigning champions of the 2025-2026 ACL2. Despite dominating possession from the first half and creating chances, Gangwon FC struggled with finishing. Their defense, particularly goalkeeper Park Cheong-hyo, made crucial saves to keep the team in the game during the second half, forcing the match into extra time.

However, the decisive moment came in the 13th minute of the first half of extra time when Gamba Osaka's Gaku Nawata scored the winning goal. Nawata capitalized on a pass from Ryoya Yamashita, slotting the ball into the net from the left side of the penalty area. Gangwon FC mounted a late offensive in a desperate attempt to equalize but could not break through Gamba Osaka's defense.

The defeat is a significant disappointment for Gangwon FC, who had aspirations of competing at the highest level of Asian club football. Their journey will now continue in the AFC Champions League 2.