As we enter the final round robin of the 2025 Hana Bank K League 1 regular season, there is still everything to play for in all areas of the table. With that in mind, this midweek sees high-flying Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors afforded a chance to go 19 league games unbeaten, while teams like FC Seoul, Gwangju FC, and Gimcheon Sangmu are all out to maintain their top-half ambitions. Elsewhere, the relegation battle heats up with Suwon FC out to continue their newfound momentum, whereas clubs such as FC Anyang and Daegu FC need imminent victories.
Match of the Round
Gwangju FC vs. Gimcheon Sangmu
In a matchup between two top-half teams looking to finish the regular season strong, Gwangju FC host Gimcheon Sangmu. For the Griffins, they were defeated 2-1 by a resurgent Suwon FC last time out, making this just the second time all campaign Lee Jung-hyo’s men have tasted defeat after taking the lead. Gimcheon, on the other hand, fought from two goals down to beat Daegu FC 3-2 on their travels in Round 22, with a Won Ki-jung header securing the victory in stoppage time. There, the military side created an xG tally of 2.04 from 14 attempts, made 219 of their 364 passes in the opposition half, and took 32 touches in the penalty area.
Back in May, an Oh Hu-seong penalty separated these two sides, as Gwangju held on for a narrow 1-0 victory.
Team of the Round
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (vs. Gangwon FC)
Aiming to go the equivalent of half a season unbeaten in K League 1 action, league leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors are in unstoppable form after a 3-2 away victory against Pohang Steelers. Per 90, the Green Warriors are excellent value too, averaging 1.8 goals scored, 0.8 goals conceded, 1.5 xG, 1.0 xGA, and 21 touches in the opposition box. In midweek, Jeonbuk face the last team to beat them in league competition, Gangwon FC, who come into proceedings on the back of a comeback 2-2 draw with Daejeon Hana Citizen.
Player of the Round
Willyan, Suwon FC (vs. Pohang Steelers)
During Suwon FC’s important 2-1 win against Gwangju FC, it was Willyan’s venomous effort that drew the two teams level. Overall, the Brazilian’s performance was bright throughout the match, leaving optimism that he can reach some of his 2024 performance levels that saw the forward average (per 90) an xG tally of 0.34, 2.18 shots, 1.97 successful dribbles, 5.29 recoveries, and 2.9 touches in the opposition box. Next up for Suwon is Pohang Steelers, who have suffered back-to-back defeats.
Elsewhere in K League 1 Round 23
After three consecutive losses, FC Anyang will hope for a better showing when facing bottom-place Daegu FC, who have yet to win under manager Kim Byung-soo (three draws, three defeats). Elsewhere, Ulsan HD are seeking their first victory post-Club World Cup against a Daejeon Hana Citizen side that has drawn five consecutive matches, while both Jeju SK and FC Seoul will aim to use Round 22 wins as a springboard to fruitful finishes to 2025.
K League 1 Round 23 Fixtures
Tuesday 22nd July
Pohang Steelers (5th) vs. Suwon FC (11th) [ENG]
Gwangju FC (6th) vs. Gimcheon Sangmu (3rd) [ENG]
FC Anyang (10th) vs. Daegu FC (12th)
Wednesday 23rd July
Ulsan HD (7th) vs. Daejeon Hana Citizen (2nd) [ENG]
Jeju SK (9th) vs. FC Seoul (4th)
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (1st) vs. Gangwon FC (8th) [ENG]
*All fixtures kick-off at 19:30 KST*
Watch all matches live on
TV.KLeague.com. English commentary provided where indicated.
