FC Gavengers is staring down another relegation scare.
The much-anticipated G League relegation playoff unfolds on the Aug. 20 episode of SBS’s 'Kick a Goal'. The match pits FC World Class―playing its first relegation playoff since the team was founded―against FC Gavengers, which once again finds itself fighting to stay in the league.
Last season’s champs, World Class, have stumbled this year, turning a dynasty into a slump. Gavengers, who experienced relegation for the first time in the fourth Challenge League, set their sights on a triumphant G League return―only to end up back on the brink 20 months later.
As Gavengers tries to topple the winningest club in series history to survive, the head-to-head favors World Class, 3-1 across four meetings. Still, Gavengers shocked them in the third Super League with a dramatic shootout win―proof of their giant-killer tendencies―so this one’s tough to call. Which side will claw out a win and dodge the dreaded “relegated” tag?
The mood inside Gavengers’ camp was heavier than usual ahead of their second relegation playoff. Captain Kim Min-kyung vowed, “If we don’t win this time, there’s no more Gavengers.” Teammates matched her resolve―“We’ll do whatever it takes to keep this team alive”―and some were in tears before kickoff. Will that urgency be the spark that keeps them from reliving relegation heartbreak?
Head coach Choi Sung-yong unveiled a must-win tactical shake-up, pushing longtime defensive anchor Kim Seung-hye up front. He paired her finishing with the raw power of “Red Hare” Kim Hye-seon on the front line to press high, then layered in streamlined but lethal set-piece plays―promising peak performance. Early on, Gavengers’ fearless charges drew fouls from World Class and had the crowd buzzing. Can the giant-killer Gavengers ride that early surge all the way?
The do-or-die showdown for survival between FC World Class and FC Gavengers airs on 'Kick a Goal' at 9 p.m. on Aug. 20.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)