The 2025 Hana Bank K League 1 season reaches the penultimate round, and it’s one that could prove decisive in the race for second place, qualification for the AFC Champions League, and even the battle to avoid automatic relegation.
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Don’t miss theOfficial preview of matchday 37 of the K League 1 here…
Race for second place
Daejeon Hana Citizen (2nd) vs. Gangwon FC (6th)
Saturday, November 22 – 2:00 p.m.
If Daejeon Hana Citizen gets three points against Gangwon FC this Saturday, it would mean that a draw against Gimcheon (their main rival for second place) on the final matchday would be enough to clinch second place and a spot in the Elite group stage of the AFC Champions League. At the very least, a win would secure a spot in the top four. Gangwon, who returns to AFC Champions League action next week, can consider their clash against Machida Zelvia the most important fixture, meaning rotation is a possibility. The Bears can only finish fifth, but they are just one point behind FC Seoul, so a win could move them up one place in the table. Daejeon are in good form apart from the Jeonbuk loss, having managed to score 12 in their last five games and are unbeaten in six games against Gangwon. However, the last two matches ended in draws, but Daejeon won the first match of 2025 by a goal to nil. Gangwon will be without Marko Tuci due to suspension, as well as Lee Sang-heon, who has begun military service. Daejeon will be without Joo Min-kyu, who will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury, while left back Lee Myung-jae is doubtful having suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty.
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Relegation battle
FC Anyang vs. Suwon FC
Saturday, November 22 – 2:00 p.m.
FC Anyang are safe, so Saturday’s clash against Suwon FC will be all about the latter and their attempt to avoid relegation. The 1-0 defeat to Ulsan last time out, with the controversial decision to disallow a late Pablo Sabbag equaliser, means Suwon are five points from safety with six more to play. Simply put, anything short of a win against Anyang will mean Kim Eun-jung’s men are guaranteed to finish in a relegation playoff spot. And with only four points between Suwon and Jeju SK in 11th place, there is no room to think about that agonizing defeat to Ulsan. Suwon will need to rediscover their scoring talent as they have managed to find the net just three times in the last five games and are winless in five. He will also not be able to count on Luan Dias due to suspension.
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Relegation battle
Gwangju FC vs. Ulsan HD
Saturday, November 22 – 16:30
Gwangju FC have secured top-flight football for next year, but Ulsan are yet to do so. However, they are just one positive result away from avoiding the relegation playoffs and securing safety. The Horangi are five points clear of tenth place heading into the penultimate game of the season; Therefore, a victory at the Guus Hiddink Stadium would be enough. But as Suwon has scored more goals this season, Ulsan must pick up at least two points from their last two games. Ulsan’s latest win over Suwon FC was only their second in the league under interim coach Noh Sang-rae; the first was against Gwangju in round 33. Ulsan, however, will be without Lee Dong-gyeong due to injury.