Key Matches in the Key Races: Alternative K League 1 Round 37 Preview

The 2025 Hana Bank K League 1 season reaches the penultimate round, and it's one which could prove decisive in the race for the runner-up spot, AFC Champions League qualification, and even the battle to avoid automatic relegation.

Don't miss the official K League 1 Round 37 preview here...

Race for Runner-up Spot

Daejeon Hana Citizen (2nd) vs. Gangwon FC (6th)

Saturday 22nd November - 14:00

Should Daejeon Hana Citizen secure all three points against Gangwon FC this Saturday, it would mean a draw away to Gimcheon - their main rivals for second - on the final day would be enough for second spot, and a place in the AFC Champions League Elite group stage. At the very least, a win would secure a spot in the top four. Gangwon, who return to AFC Champions League action next week, may be looking to their clash with Machida Zelvia as the more important fixture, meaning rotation is a possibility. The Bears can only finish as high as fifth, but are just a point behind FC Seoul, so a win could move them up a spot in the table. Daejeon are in good form, the Jeonbuk loss aside, having managed to score 12 in their last five and are unbeaten in six matches against Gangwon. The last two matches, though, have ended in draws, but Daejeon won the first meeting of 2025 via a goal-to-nil. Gangwon will be without Marko Tuci through suspension, as well as Lee Sang-heon who has begun military service. Daejeon won't be able to call on Joo Min-kyu, who is set to miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury, while left back Lee Myung-jae is a doub,t having picked up a hamstring injury while on international duty.

Watch live on K League TV: here

Relegation Battle

FC Anyang vs. Suwon FC

Saturday 22nd November - 14:00

FC Anyang are safe, so Saturday's clash with Suwon FC is all about the latter and their bid to avoid the drop. The 1-0 loss away to Ulsan last time out, with the controversial decision to disallow a late Pablo Sabbag equaliser, means that Suwon are five points from safety with six more to play for. Simply put, anything less than a win against Anyang will mean Kim Eun-jung's men are guaranteed to finish in a relegation playoff spot. And with only four points between Suwon and Jeju SK in 11th, there's no room to dwell on that agonising loss to Ulsan. Suwon will need to rediscover their goal-scoring touch, having managed to find the net just three times in their last five, and are without a win in five. They will also be without Luan Dias through suspension.

Watch live on K League TV: here

Relegation Battle

Gwangju FC vs. Ulsan HD

Saturday 22nd November - 16:30

Gwangju FC have secured top-flight football for next year, but Ulsan are yet to. They are, however, just one positive result away from avoiding the relegation playoffs and securing safety. The Horangi are five points clear of 10th heading into the penultimate match of the season; a win at Guus Hiddink Stadium, therefore, would be enough. But with Suwon having scored more goals this season, Ulsan must earn at least two points from their last two games. Ulsan's win over Suwon FC last time out was only their second in the league under caretaker manager Noh Sang-rae; their first was against Gwangju in Round 33. Ulsan will, however, be without Lee Dong-gyeong through injury.

Watch live on K League TV: here

Where to Watch

Watch all matches live and for free on TV.KLeague.com.