Ahn Jung-hwan's 'Fantasy All-Stars' Achieve Revenge Against Im Young-woong's 'Returns FC' on 'Let's Kick Together 4'

Ahn Jung-hwan's team, 'Fantasy All-Stars,' has successfully avenged their previous defeat against Im Young-woong's 'Returns FC' in a thrilling match on JTBC's 'Let's Kick Together 4.'

The episode, which aired on the 19th, featured the highly anticipated rematch. Last year, Ahn's team suffered a crushing 4-0 loss to 'Returns FC,' led by the popular trot singer Im Young-woong.

The broadcast garnered significant attention, recording a 3.6% viewership rating nationwide for paid broadcast households, topping its timeslot among cable and terrestrial channels.

Ahn Jung-hwan humorously revealed that the true reason for seeking a rematch was still paying off the team dinner tab from their previous loss, jokingly stating he was upset Im Young-woong didn't offer to split the bill. Im Young-woong responded that a match is a match, promising a no-holds-barred game.

'Returns FC,' boasting a lineup of former professional players, is considered the strongest amateur team. In response, Ahn Jung-hwan assembled 'Fantasy All-Stars' with aces from the 'Fantasy League,' featuring a legendary lineup including Shin Woo-jae, Lee Chan-hyung, Guevara, and Lee Shin-ki.

Early in the game, Lee Shin-ki scored the opening goal for 'Fantasy All-Stars' with a fortunate 'abs shot' off a rebound. Despite Im Young-woong's persistent attacks, he was effectively shut down by Choi Jong-woo, who had improved significantly since their last encounter.

In the second half, Im Young-woong, playing with renewed intensity, continued to pressure the opposing goal. However, his shots were repeatedly denied, notably by Lee Dae-hoon's crucial defensive save. Although 'Fantasy All-Stars' lost key midfielder Shin Woo-jae to injury, substitute Han Seung-woo quickly scored to extend their lead. Im Young-woong's team managed to pull one back through a goal by Jung Ji-hoon.

With just a minute left on the clock, Ryu Eun-gyu sealed the victory with a final goal, securing a 3-1 win for 'Fantasy All-Stars.'

Im Young-woong gracefully conceded defeat, acknowledging the strength of their opponents. Ahn Jung-hwan, having achieved his revenge, proposed a final match to determine the ultimate winner, as the overall record now stands at 1-1. Im Young-woong readily accepted, promising to return for a decisive final.

Meanwhile, a preview for the next episode teased the arrival of new coaches to fill the void left by Park Hang-seo, hinting at a potential showdown between 'eternal captain' Koo Ja-cheol and veteran Ahn Jung-hwan, further building anticipation for the show.

Korean netizens expressed their satisfaction with the revenge victory, with comments like 'Manager Ahn Jung-hwan's revenge is successful! So satisfying,' and 'Im Young-woong played well, but Fantasy All-Stars got even stronger.' Many also looked forward to the next match and the appearance of coach Koo Ja-cheol.