After an international break, the 2025 Hana Bank K League 1 campaign returns this Saturday with Round 33, the final set of fixtures in the regular season. Notably, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors could technically win the title here, whilst Gangwon FC and Gwangju FC vie for the last available Final A spot, and Lee Dong-gyeong will hope to continue his stellar campaign for Gimcheon Sangmu when up against FC Anyang.
In a match that could technically see new K League 1 champions crowned, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors face Suwon FC. To win the title, the Green Warriors will have to secure all three points here while also hoping Gimcheon fail to beat FC Anyang, but Gus Poyet’s men are currently on a winless run of three matches (two draws, one loss). Last time out, a 97th-minute Nam Tae-hee equaliser meant Jeonbuk settled for a 1-1 stalemate against Jeju SK, where they couldn't make their xG tally of 2.06 count.
Suwon, meanwhile, are looking to continue their push towards safety, following a run of two victories and a draw. In a 1-1 against FC Seoul, they impressively limited their opposition to just four shots on target, but were unable to create many high-quality chances of their own. Going into Saturday, though, Suwon know Jeonbuk boast a recent advantage in this fixture, having lost to the Green Warriors in both earlier meetings this year.
Team of the Round
Daegu FC (vs. Gangwon FC)
Enjoying a run of form which has led to three wins from their last five games, an in-form Daegu FC are dreaming of safety heading into their clash with top-half hopefuls Gangwon FC. In a 3-2 away triumph over Gwangju FC, the Sky Blues were effective in transitions, winning two penalties, creating an open play xG tally of 0.97 (the same as their opposition), whilst at the other end making 18 tackles and 48 clearances. For their Round 33 opponents, Gangwon, they need to match Gwangju’s result should they wish to guarantee a Final A spot.
Player of the Round
Lee Dong-gyeong, Gimcheon Sangmu (vs. FC Anyang)
Putting together a player-of-the-season-worthy resumé, Lee Dong-gyeong has been vital for Gimcheon Sangmu in 2025. During a 3-0 win against his parent club Ulsan HD last time out, the midfielder produced an all-round performance with a goal and assist, in addition to taking five shots, completing two successful dribbles, six passes to the final third, four accurate crosses and making six recoveries. This weekend Gimcheon face FC Anyang, who extended their unbeaten run to five matches thanks to a 1-1 draw against Gangwon FC. This weekend's match will be one of Lee's last in Gimcheon colours before returning to the Munsu.
Elsewhere in K League 1 Round 33
After parting ways with manager Shin Tae-yong, reigning champions Ulsan HD will look to escape the bottom three when hosting Gwangju FC, who themselves need to better Gangwon FC’s result this weekend to land a top-half finish. Elsewhere, a clash between two top-four hopefuls sees FC Seoul take on Pohang Steelers, while Daejeon Hana Citizen come into a fixture with 11th-place Jeju SK, having won two of their last three league outings.
K League 1 Round 33 Fixtures
Saturday 18th October
FC Seoul (5th) vs. Pohang Steelers (4th) [ENG]
Ulsan HD (10th) vs. Gwangju FC (7th)
Daejeon Hana Citizen (3rd) vs. Jeju SK (11th)
Daegu FC (12th) vs. Gangwon FC (6th)
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (1st) vs. Suwon FC (9th) [ENG]
FC Anyang (8th) vs. Gimcheon Sangmu (2nd)
*All matches kick off at 14:00 KST*
Watch all matches live on
TV.KLeague.com. English commentary provided where indicated.
