With just a couple of weeks to go before an international break, there are plenty of teams vying for momentum in Round 27 of the 2025 Hana Bank K League 1 season. Notably, Pohang Steelers host Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Gimcheon Sangmu will look to extend their strong form against another in-form side when up against Suwon FC, and Gwangju FC have top-half on their minds when hosting Gangwon FC.
In a contest between two of the league’s most in-form teams, a Pohang Steelers side aiming for a top-four finish host first-place Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. For the Steelers, a 1-0 victory over FC Anyang was their third in a row, and furthered the team’s defensive improvements as they limited the Violets to an xG total of 0.99 despite them taking 11 shots. Jeonbuk, meanwhile, confidently executed a 3-0 win against Daegu FC in Round 26, making it 22 league games unbeaten for the Green Warriors.
In the two clubs' last meeting, a dramatic turnaround saw Jeonbuk come from two goals behind to win 3-2 at the Steelyard, with a 94th-minute Lee Ho-jae own goal the eventual difference maker.
Team of the Round
Gimcheon Sangmu (vs. Suwon FC)
After a 6-2 home thrashing against FC Seoul, second-place Gimcheon Sangmu are on course for another successful year. Last Sunday, the military side were ruthless, scoring their six goals from an xG tally of 2.76, taking 14 shots, 24 touches in the opposition box, and importantly, weathering an opposition storm that led to the capital city side having 23 attempts, and fashioning their own xG total of 3.41. Now five games unbeaten, Gimcheon face Suwon FC this weekend, who themselves have been victorious in five of their last six outings.
Player of the Round
Reis, Gwangju FC (vs. Gangwon FC)
With a brace in Gwangju FC’s 2-0 win against Daejeon Hana Citizen, Reis was in fine form. Active throughout proceedings, the 32-year-old forward also took five touches in the opposition box, made three passes to the final third, nine recoveries, drew five fouls, and won 10 duels. This week, Gwangju host Gangwon FC, a team that has drawn three consecutive league matches.
Elsewhere in K League 1 Round 27
As the threat of automatic relegation rises, Daegu FC are still looking for a first victory under manager Kim Byung-soo when they face off against a Jeju SK side that is winless in three matches. Elsewhere, FC Seoul will look to put a 6-2 defeat to Gimcheon Sangmu behind them when hosting Ulsan HD, who were beaten 4-2 by Suwon FC last time out. Ending the week, FC Anyang face Daejeon Hana Citizen in a game where both clubs need a win to try and draw closer to realising their 2025 ambitions, whether it be top-flight safety or continental qualification.
K League 1 Round 27 Fixtures
Saturday 23rd August
Gimcheon Sangmu (2nd) vs. Suwon FC (9th)
Gwangju FC (6th) vs. Gangwon FC (8th) [ENG]
Daegu FC (12th) vs. Jeju SK (10th) [ENG]
Sunday 24th August
FC Seoul (5th) vs. Ulsan HD (7th) [ENG]
Pohang Steelers (4th) vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (1st) [ENG]
FC Anyang (11th) vs. Daejeon Hana Citizen (3rd)
*All games kick off at 19:00 KST aside from Gwangju FC vs. Gangwon FC, which kicks off at 19:30 KST*
Watch all matches live on
TV.KLeague.com. English commentary provided where indicated.
