Gangwon FC claimed a important 2-1 home victory over Shanghai Shenhua in the AFC Champions League Elite group stage on September 16, 2025. This result gave the Korean club a perfect start to their continental campaign and laid down an early marker in a competitive group. Gangwon took control of the match in the first half, scoring two well-taken goals to establish a commanding lead. Shanghai Shenhua improved after the break and managed to pull a goal back, setting up a nervy finale, but the home side held firm to secure all three points. The match highlighted Gangwon's effective counter-attacking style and their ability to manage the game under pressure. The win propelled Gangwon to the top of the early group table, while leaving the Chinese giants with work to do. The Shenhua coach admitted his team started too slowly, whereas the Gangwon manager was delighted with his team's application from the first whistle.