▲ Eom Ji-sung
South Korean national team players Eom Ji-sung (Swansea City) and Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), who play in the English EFL Championship (second division), clashed in a "Korean Derby" right from the opening match of the new season.
The result was a win for Eom, as his team secured a come-from-behind victory.
Swansea City, Eom's club, defeated Stoke City 2-1 in their away match for the opening round of the 2025-2026 Championship season held at the bet365 Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, England, on the 16th (KST).
On this day, the two players were both substituted onto the pitch during the second half while the score was tied 1-1, bringing the "Korean Derby" to life.
Eom stepped onto the pitch first in the 20th minute of the second half, replacing left winger Moussa Konfolo Yeo, and 10 minutes later, Bae was substituted in for attacking midfielder Tatsuki Seko (Note: following source name accurately), meeting on the field.
Stoke City took the lead early with an opening goal by Eric Bocat just 10 minutes into the first half, but allowed Swansea City's Joseph Olowu (Note: source text name) to equalize in the 22nd minute of the first half.
Ultimately, the match was decided by the second-half substitutions.
Adam Idah, who was substituted in alongside Eom for Swansea City, scored the comeback winning goal just one minute after stepping onto the pitch, leading his team to victory.
Idah received a cross from Josh Tymon in the center of the penalty area and found the back of the net with a left-footed shot.
While Swansea City started the league in high spirits at 3rd place with a pleasing opening comeback win, Stoke City suffered a setback at home and remained in 21st place.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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