Re-examining the Key K League 1 Races with 6 games to go

As the 2025 Hana Bank K League 1 season reaches Round 33, the last round before the split, what's still to play for, and who are the main contenders? The league can be broken into some key races or battles: the title race, the race for AFC Champions League qualification, the battle to avoid automatic relegation, and the battle to avoid the promotion-relegation playoffs.

Title Race

Contenders: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Gimcheon Sangmu

With 18 points to play for, and Jeonbuk sitting 13 points clear, the title race is as good as over. The champagne can be put on ice and Gus Poyet can be a little less animated on the touchline. After all, the title race has been over for weeks, maybe even months. But with Jeonbuk now on an uncharacteristic run of three without a win, and Gimcheon winning their last three in a row, it means the Green Warriors have work to do if they are to seal the title this weekend, i.e., before the split. Doing so with five or more games left felt like a huge statement after a three-year barren spell. Jeonbuk could win the title in Round 33 if they beat Suwon FC and if Gimcheon Sangmu lose to FC Anyang.

AFC Champions League Qualification

Contenders: Daejeon Hana Citizen, Pohang Steelers, FC Seoul

With Gimcheon Sangmu unable to qualify for the ACL, and seemingly looking set to finish as runners-up, Daejeon, Pohang, and FC Seoul are the teams competing for the three other potential AFC Champions League places. Daejeon's win over Pohang in Round 32 put them in pole position for ACL Elite with a four-point lead over the Steelers. Seoul are perhaps seen as outsiders for ACL Elite, but ACL Two could be achievable with a fourth-place finish and if Jeonbuk win the Korea Cup, or if no K League team win ACLE or ACL Two... It's complicated. 

Final A

Contenders: Gangwon FC, Gwangju FC

With Final A spots mathematically secured by Jeonbuk, Gimcheon, Daejeon, and Pohang, and with FC Seoul practically securing a top-six berth, there is just one space left to play for. As KLU columnist Nathan Sartain points out, the only way FC Seoul's place in the top half could be lost is if in Round 33 Seoul lose, both Gangwon FC and Gwangju FC win, and the latter team outscores Kim Gi-dong’s men by at least eight goals.

The final spot in Final A will therefore go to either Gangwon FC or Gwangju FC. Gangwon have a one-point lead over Gwangju but have scored fewer goals - 30 to 34. Gangwon just need to match Gwangju's result. Gwangju simply have to win and hope that the Bears draw or lose.

Automatic Relegation

Contenders: Daegu FC, Jeju SK

Daegu FC's incredible recent upturn in form has given them a genuine chance of avoiding automatic relegation. Falling through the trap door seemed inevitable once the gap grew to double digits - even as high as 15 points at one stage- but Kim Byung-soo, despite the slow start to life at Daegu iM Bank Park, is beginning to get a tune out of this Sky Blues side. His key instrument is Cesinha, who now has 10 goals and 10 assists for the season, including five goals and seven assists in his last eight games. The living legend has helped Daegu reduce the gap to six points, and with Jeju SK winless in nine and managerless, the greatest of great escapes can be pencilled as 'back on.'

Relegation Playoffs

Contenders: FC Anyang, Suwon FC, Ulsan HD, Jeju SK

With K League adding an extra promotion-relegation playoff in 2022, no team in Final B is safe. Heading into Round 33, just two points separate FC Anyang, Suwon FC, and Ulsan HD, with the trio seemingly fighting it out to avoid finishing 10th. Jeju look set to finish 11th at the highest, given that the islanders have been cast adrift, five points behind Ulsan. FC Anyang are the form team of the three, unbeaten in five, but Suwon have turned things around of late with two wins and a draw from their last three. Ulsan's run of seven without victory means there could be a K League giant, and a team recently crowned champions, in the relegation playoffs. Ulsan will, however, have Lee Dong-gyeong returning from Gimcheon later this month to help turn the tide.

Round 33 Fixtures

FC Seoul vs. Pohang Steelers
Ulsan HD vs. Gwangju FC
Daejeon Hana Citizen vs. Jeju SK

Daegu FC. vs Gangwon FC

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors vs. Suwon FC

FC Anyang vs. Gimcheon Sangmu

Watch live on TV.KLeague.com.