Goh’s Debut Heroics Propel Partizan to Super Liga Summit

In a stellar debut for Serbian team Partizan Belgrade, Korean midfielder Goh Young-jun left an indelible mark, scoring a crucial goal in their commanding 5-2 victory over FK IMT on Saturday.

Goh, recently signed from K League 1’s Pohang Steelers, entered the Super Liga match as a substitute in the 55th minute. His impact was felt in the 90th minute when he netted a goal from inside the penalty area, sealing the 5-2 win and earning three crucial points for Partizan.

This victory propelled Partizan to the top of the league table, surpassing Red Star Belgrade, and positioning them one point ahead in the league title race. Both teams have played 21 matches, with Partizan boasting 53 points as of the latest update.

The Super Liga rivalry between Partizan and Red Star has been a longstanding one, with the two sides dominating the league since its inception in 2006. Red Star has claimed the title nine times, while Partizan has emerged victorious eight times, setting the stage for another intense season.

Goh’s move to Partizan follows an outstanding season with the Steelers, where he notched eight goals and one assist in 28 league appearances, securing a runner-up finish and winning the Korean FA Cup. The 22-year-old, known for his dynamic play as a winger or attacking midfielder, has seamlessly transitioned to European football.

Crucially, Goh’s military exemption, earned through a gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games, allows him to pursue his European career uninterrupted. He joins a contingent of Korean players in the Super Liga, including Hwang In-beom at Red Star, Yoo Ji-un at FK Cukaricki, and Jo Jin-ho at FK Novi Pazar.

Partizan, led by Goh, will resume league action on Feb. 24, facing Radnik Surdulica. As Goh continues to make waves in Serbian football, the race for the Super Liga title promises to be fiercely contested, adding another chapter to the storied rivalry between Partizan and Red Star.