K League 1 Round 33: Three Takeaways

Jeju United maintained their push for a top six finish with a last-ditch victory at home to Seongnam FC, while the leaders kept on course with the top three remaining unchanged.  KLU's Branko Belan has a look at the talking points from the weekend.

Islanders Snatch Late Victory 

Kim Kyung-jae's injury time winner sealed an important three points for Jeju, who, as a result, keep their chances of a top half finish alive with two matches still left to play before the split.  The Magpies, traditionally a thorn in the islanders' side, did not disappoint, but a late strike from Kim Kyung-jae sealed an important three points for Nam Ki-il's men as they look to finish in the top six following a championship season in K League 2 one year ago.

The home side started brightly, going in front after just ten minutes with Gerso Fernandes slotting home from close range, neatly tucking home Ahn Hyun-beom's cross from the right.  Seongnam would answer in the 37th minute thanks to Lee Jeong-sung's top corner finish, sending the teams knotted at one going into the break.

Just as it seemed both would take a share of the spoils, Kim Kyung-jae popped up in second half injury time to bang home Kim Young-wook's corner for his first career K League 1 goal, securing three important points for last year's K League 2 champions as they maintain their push for a top half finish knowing that a win against Gangwon FC next weekend could seal their progress.

Ulsan Still Top of the Table

Valeri Qazaishvili opened the scoring for Ulsan.

Ulsan kept their title push on track with a convincing win away to Suwon FC, with Valeri Qazaishvili opening their account on the day with a close range effort from a direct free kick inside the first ten minutes.  Lee Dong-gyeong would add a second six minutes into the second half and Lee Dong-jun would cement the win with the Horangi's third in the 81st minute.

Suwon FC, who have impressed in the first division this season, fell flat against the title contenders but still hold onto fourth spot in the table despite the loss.  Hong Myung-bo's men put on a dominant display in the second half, owing largely to good ball movement through the midfield and the back line's ability to keep Lars Veldwijk in check.

Ulsan's final match before the split is away to Seongnam FC on October 24th after the international break.

Jeonbuk Keep the Pace

Kim Bo-kyung's second minute tally was enough to send Kim Sang-sik's side home from the mountains with three points despite Hong Jeong-ho being sent off four minutes before the hour mark.  

The four time defending champions pierced Gangwon's defense early, with Moon Seon-min streaking down the right.  The home side couldn't clear their lines and the ball eventually fell to Jeonbuk's number thirteen, who smashed it home with aplomb to give the visitors the lead.

Paik Seung-ho could have doubled the advantage on 21 minutes, but his free kick effort was just a shave wide of the post.  Both he and Song Min-kyu seem to have settled in well since their arrivals, as both were key components on the afternoon.  

Gangwon still have some breathing space to move up the table, but based on their current form, a lot of work needs to be done for that to happen.

[READ: Paik Seung-ho Could Prove Pivotal to Saving Jeonbuk's Season]