After an extended break from action, the 2025 K League 1 officially returns this Friday with Round 22. Headlining proceedings will be Pohang Steelers hosting league leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on Saturday night, but there's plenty of excitement to be found elsewhere as FC Seoul will look to gain some real upwards momentum against Ulsan HD, while Gwangju FC will travel to Suwon FC with their own top-half ambitions well-placed.
Match of the Round
Pohang Steelers vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors
In a clash between two teams with large ambitions, Pohang Steelers face the league leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. For the Steelers, they remain in fourth place following a 4-1 defeat to FC Seoul, where a red card to Oberdan handed their opposition all of the initiative. On the other hand, Jeonbuk are looking unbeatable, with a 1-0 away cup victory against FC Seoul at the beginning of the month making it 20 games unbeaten in all competitions for Gus Poyet’s men, while their 2-1 victory over Gimcheon Sangmu in Round 21 extended their lead at the top of K League 1 to 10 points.
Earlier this year, these two teams played out a dramatic 2-2 draw, where Pohang fought from two goals behind to earn a point.
Team of the Round
FC Seoul (vs. Ulsan HD)
After a triumphant 4-1 victory against Pohang Steelers, FC Seoul will now be looking to firmly hit their stride. Against the Steelers (who went down to 10 men at 1-0 down), the capital city side created an xG of 2.94 from 20 shots, took 27 touches in the opposition box, made the most of their advantage with 61% possession, and importantly maintained a four-match unbeaten streak in the league. Now buoyed by the exciting signing of forward Anderson Oliveira too, Seoul are aiming to prove their mettle in Round 22 against reigning champions Ulsan HD, who returned to action this past weekend with a 2-2 draw against bottom-place Daegu FC.
Player of the Round
Shin Chang-moo, Gwangju FC (vs. Suwon FC)
With a goal and an assist in Gwangju FC’s 2-1 away win over FC Anyang, Shin Chang-moo had an extremely productive performance. Getting involved in all phases of play, the 32-year-old forward also completed four dribbles, won all four of his attempted tackles, 10 of his 14 duels, and made two recoveries. Up next for Gwangju is Suwon FC, who are looking for a reversal of fortunes following three consecutive defeats.
Elsewhere in K League 1 Round 22
Buoyed by a Cesinha-inspired 2-2 draw with Ulsan HD, Daegu FC will be hoping for their first win under manager Kim Byung-soo when up against Gimcheon Sangmu, who had their four-game unbeaten run ended by league leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors before the summer break. Elsewhere, Gangwon FC are looking to build on back-to-back victories against a Daejeon Hana Citizen side that has drawn four successive matches, while both Jeju SK and FC Anyang are aiming to return to form at the other’s expense.
K League 1 Round 22 Fixtures
Friday 18th July
Daegu FC (12th) vs. Gimcheon Sangmu (3rd) - 19:30
Suwon FC (11th) vs. Gwangju FC (5th) - 19:30 [ENG]
Saturday 19th July
Jeju SK (10th) vs. FC Anyang (9th) - 19:00
Pohang Steelers (4th) vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (1st) - 19:00 [ENG]
Gangwon FC (8th) vs. Daejeon Hana Citizen (2nd) - 19:00 [ENG]
Sunday 20th July
FC Seoul (7th) vs. Ulsan HD (6th) - 19:00 [ENG]
Watch all matches live on
TV.KLeague.com. English commentary provided where indicated.
