Longest undefeated run in pro football snapped

SEOUL, April 26 (Yonhap) -- The longest undefeated run in South Korean professional football history ended at 22 on Sunday.

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors fell to Jeonnam Dragons 2-1 on the road in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, some 420 kilometers south of Seoul, in their K League Classic showdown. Midfielder Lee Chang-min netted both goals to hand Jeonbuk its first K League defeat since last August.

Heading into Sunday, Jeonbuk had posted 17 wins and five draws in its past 22 matches, dating back to September last year. It was the longest such streak in the league's 32-year history. Jeonbuk's last loss prior to Sunday had also come against Jeonnam on Aug. 31, 2014.

In the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League action last week, Jeonbuk lost to Kashiwa Reysol 3-2 for its first loss in all competitions in 27 matches.

Lee Chang-min opened the scoring for Jeonnam in the 21st minute, taking a feed from Mislav Orsic. Jeonbuk drew even in the 42nd minute as Lee Jae-sung headed in a rebound following a Lee Dong-gook volley.

Just past the hour mark, Lee Chang-min then put a dagger through Jeonbuk's heart with the go-ahead goal, set up by Stevica Ristic.

Despite the loss, Jeonbuk stayed in first place on 19 points after eight matches.

jeeho@yna.co.kr
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