In a weekend that could be pivotal to Daegu FC's top-flight future, Round 36 of the 2025 Hana Bank K League 1 season sees plenty of intrigue towards the bottom of the table, where Ulsan HD and Suwon FC will also face each other to jockey for potential automatic survival. Elsewhere, a clash between first and second sees Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors take on Daejeon Hana Citizen, and Gwangju FC could confirm their safety with a win over Daegu FC.
Match of the Round
Ulsan HD vs. Suwon FC
In a fixture that surprisingly carries major ramifications for the ongoing relegation battle, Ulsan HD face Suwon FC. For the hosts, a 3-1 defeat to FC Anyang has left them just two points clear of a promotion-relegation playoff spot, while their overall xG underperformance of 12.9 this year (41 goals scored from an expected total of 53.9) remains another concern.
Meanwhile, Suwon FC were pegged back in the 99th minute last time out, with their 1-1 draw against Daegu FC keeping them in 10th place. But they do have the advantage in this fixture this season, having beaten Ulsan in back-to-back meetings following a round five stalemate.
Team of the Round
Gwangju FC (vs. Daegu FC)
After back-to-back wins, Gwangju FC are in pole position to secure their K League 1 safety this weekend. In a 2-0 home triumph over Jeju SK, the Griffins were direct and efficient, outscoring their xG total of 0.71, while also completing 10 tackles, 31 clearances, and 47 accurate long passes. On Saturday, Gwangju travel to play a Daegu side that could be relegated to K League 2 depending on Jeju SK's Round 36 result.
Player of the Round
Masatoshi Ishida, Daejeon Hana Citizen (vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors)
With four goals and an assist in his last four outings, Masatoshi Ishida is proving key to Daejeon Hana Citizen’s upswing in form. In a 3-1 victory against FC Seoul, the Japanese forward created two chances, took eight touches in the opposition box, made four passes to the final third, three recoveries, and, importantly, put his team 2-1 ahead in an impactful showing. This weekend, Daejeon face the 2025 K League 1 champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, who were held to a 0-0 draw by Gangwon FC in Round 35.
Elsewhere in K League 1 Round 36
Sitting six points away from safety, 11th-place Jeju SK know that their clash with FC Anyang, who defeated Ulsan HD 3-1 last time out, is a must-win game. Elsewhere, Gimcheon Sangmu are looking to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 defeat to Pohang Steelers when up against a Gangwon side winless in six league games, while Pohang host FC Seoul in a key fixture for the ongoing top-four race.
K League 1 Round 36 Fixtures
Saturday 8th November
Jeju SK (11th) vs. FC Anyang (8th) - 14:00
Daegu FC (12th) vs. Gwangju FC (7th) - 14:00 [ENG]
Gimcheon Sangmu (3rd) vs. Gangwon FC (6th) - 16:30
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (1st) vs. Daejeon Hana Citizen (2nd) - 16:30 [ENG]
Sunday 9th November
Pohang Steelers (4th) vs. FC Seoul (5th) - 14:00 [ENG]
Ulsan HD (9th) vs. Suwon FC (10th) - 16:30 [ENG]
Watch all matches live on
TV.KLeague.com. English commentary provided where indicated.
