For the final weeks of the 2025 Hana Bank K League 1 season, the most noteworthy fixtures taking place revolve around the fight for top-flight survival. In Round 35, a six-pointer between Suwon FC and Daegu FC headlines, whilst elsewhere Jeju SK are hoping to use their first win in 11 games as a springboard to better things when travelling to face Gwangju FC. Similarly, both FC Anyang and Ulsan HD know the importance a victory can carry when they clash with each other on Saturday afternoon.
In a relegation six-pointer, Suwon FC host Daegu FC. Coming into this game, Suwon are in reasonable form, having won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five games. But last weekend's 2-1 home defeat to fellow strugglers Jeju SK, where their xGA total reached 3.13, is enough to raise some concern. Daegu, meanwhile, are seven points behind a potential promotion-relegation playoff spot following a 1-1 draw with Ulsan HD, so know that this match is simply a must-win.
With that being said, Daegu have the advantage in this fixture this season, boasting two triumphs over Suwon FC (both of which finished 3-1). However, a Round 12 away trip to the Suwon Sports Complex ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Sky Blues back in May.
Team of the Round
Daejeon Hana Citizen (vs. FC Seoul)
Winning four of their last five games, Daejeon Hana Citizen are on a run of form that could see them eventually finish as runners-up. In a 2-0 victory against Pohang Steelers, the Purples were efficient, creating an xG tally of 2.01 from 13 shots, taking 16 touches in the opposition box, whilst defensively making 28 clearances, six blocks and 17 tackles. This week, Daejeon host FC Seoul, who triumphantly came from two goals down to beat Gangwon FC 4-2 last time out.
Player of the Round
Yuri Jonathan, Jeju SK (vs. Gwangju FC)
With a game-winning brace in Jeju SK’s 2-1 victory over Suwon FC, Yuri Jonathan will now look to be a catalyst for the Tangerines’ survival push. In the aforementioned game, the Brazilian forward took six shots, eight touches in the opposition box, made six passes to the final third, and won seven of his 13 aerial duels in an all-round, solid attacking display. In Round 35, Jeju face Gwangju FC, who started life in Final B with a narrow 1-0 victory against FC Anyang.
Elsewhere in K League 1 Round 35
Hoping to address a run of form which has seen them drop seven points from winning positions in their last three league games, Gangwon FC host the new K League 1 champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, who themselves were beaten 3-2 by Gimcheon Sangmu last weekend. Speaking of the military side, they will have to bounce back from the departure of 20 players when up against top-four hopefuls Pohang Steelers. Finally, FC Anyang and Ulsan HD clash in a game which could both pull either team away from danger, or leave them closer to the promotion/relegation playoff spots, depending on the weekend's results.
K League 1 Round 35 Fixtures
Saturday 1st November
Gangwon FC (6th) vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (1st) - 14:00
Daejeon Hana Citizen (3rd) vs. FC Seoul (5th) - 14:00 [ENG]
Gimcheon Sangmu (2nd) vs. Pohang Steelers (4th) - 16:30
FC Anyang (8th) vs. Ulsan HD (9th) - 16:30 [ENG]
Sunday 2nd November
Gwangju FC (7th) vs. Jeju SK (11th) - 14:00 [ENG]
Suwon FC (10th) vs. Daegu FC (12th) - 16:30 [ENG]
