Gimhae City and Cheonan City share six-goal thriller in K League 2

Gimhae City and Cheonan City produced one of the most entertaining draws of the K League 2 season on Sunday, November 1, 2026, playing out a 3-3 stalemate at Gimhae Stadium. The home side twice fought back from behind, with Kim Do-yoon scoring a late equaliser to cap a breathless contest that swung one way and then the other.

The result leaves both clubs with plenty to reflect on as the season enters its closing stretch. Gimhae showed character to recover from a losing position, while Cheonan will feel they did enough to win after twice restoring their advantage in the second half.

Match overview

Gimhae City started brightly in front of their home supporters and were rewarded after 12 minutes. Kim Do-yoon rose well at the near post to meet a corner and headed the ball into the net, giving the home side an early lead and setting the tone for an open first half.

Cheonan City responded with composure rather than panic. Their equaliser arrived on 27 minutes when Park Seung-ho found space just outside the penalty area and drove a low shot through a crowded box and beyond the goalkeeper. The visitors then took the lead four minutes before half-time when Lee Jae-min converted from the penalty spot after a foul inside the area.

Gimhae came out with renewed intent after the break and levelled on 52 minutes through Jung Woo-jin, who finished neatly after a quick move down the right. Cheonan regained the lead on 68 minutes when substitute Ko Tae-hwan reacted first to a loose ball and stabbed it home from close range. Just as Cheonan looked set to take all three points, Gimhae found one final response. With two minutes of normal time remaining, Kim Do-yoon arrived at the back post to convert a deep cross and complete his brace.

Key moments

• 12' — Gimhae City 1-0: Kim Do-yoon headed in from a corner to give the hosts the perfect start.
• 27' — Gimhae City 1-1: Park Seung-ho levelled with a low strike from the edge of the box.
• 41' — Gimhae City 1-2: Lee Jae-min converted a penalty to put Cheonan ahead before the break.
• 52' — Gimhae City 2-2: Jung Woo-jin finished a flowing move to bring Gimhae back on terms.
• 68' — Gimhae City 2-3: Substitute Ko Tae-hwan scored from close range to restore Cheonan's lead.
• 88' — Gimhae City 3-3: Kim Do-yoon scored his second of the match to rescue a point.

Tactical story

Gimhae City looked to play with width and get crosses into the box, a approach that produced two of their three goals. Their full-backs pushed high, creating overloads in wide areas, but that adventure also left space for Cheonan to counter. Cheonan were more direct, looking to win second balls in midfield and attack quickly through the channels.

The visitors' lead twice forced Gimhae to take greater risks. Cheonan dropped deeper in the final 20 minutes, inviting pressure, and while they defended resolutely for long spells, they could not quite hold out. The late equaliser was a reward for Gimhae's persistence and their willingness to keep putting deliveries into dangerous areas.

Standout players

Kim Do-yoon was the obvious hero for Gimhae City, scoring twice and leading the line with energy. Jung Woo-jin's equaliser was also crucial, while the home midfield kept pushing forward even after falling behind for a second time. For Cheonan, Park Seung-ho was influential in linking play, and Lee Jae-min's penalty was taken with confidence. Ko Tae-hwan made an impact from the bench, scoring what looked likely to be the winner.

What the result means

The draw adds another point to both clubs' totals in the K League 2 standings, but it will feel different in each dressing room. Gimhae City can take confidence from their resilience and their ability to create chances against a well-organised opponent. Cheonan City, meanwhile, will be frustrated at conceding so late after twice putting themselves in front.

With the season moving towards its decisive phase, both sides know that fine margins will shape their final position. For Gimhae, the challenge is to turn spirited comebacks into victories. For Cheonan, the focus will be on managing games better when protecting a lead. On this evidence, neither team is short of attacking threat — but both will want to tighten up defensively in the weeks ahead.