Key Matches in the Key Races: Alternative K League 1 Round 35 Preview | OneFootball

Even with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors already crowned champions, the 2025 K League 1 season can be broken into a few key races, with continental qualification up for grabs, and a tightly-contested relegation battle. But what are some of the key matches in the other key races this weekend? An alternative preview looking ahead to 2025 Hana Bank K League 1 Round 35.

Don't miss the officialK League 1 Round 35 Preview here...

Race for Runner-up Spot

Gimcheon Sangmu (2nd) vs. Pohang Steelers (4th)

Saturday 1st November - 16:00

With Gimcheon Sangmu's number nine intake now having completed their military service, it will be down to the newer recruits to fill the boots of the likes of Lee Dong-gyeong, Kim Seung-seop, and Park Sang-hyeok, among many others who have made telling contributions this season. They left having helped Gimcheon beat champions Jeonbuk in their own backyard, making it four wins from five. Life without one of Gimcheon's best-ever batches of recruits begins with the visit of Pohang Steelers, another team that has hopes of finishing second this season.

Last time out, the Steelers lost 2-0 on the road to Daejeon to see the gap with third widen to seven points. Seoul's win over Gangwon now means that Pohang have just a three-point lead over the capital club. Pohang's sudden drop off in form has left them with ground to make up, but at the very least, Park Tae-ha and his men will be aiming to finish in the AFC Champions League places, and a win over second-placed Gimcheon could provide a timely boost. But the last six meetings have ended in Gimcheon wins, with Pohang's last win over the army side dating back to August 2022. Gimcheon are the division's second-top scorers with 56, from the league's highest xG of 57.2, and the second most shots on target per match at 5.3. Pohang's 40 goals ranks them eighth, but Park Tae-ha's side rank third for accurate passes per match with 364.3 and the most accurate long balls per match with 28.7.

Race for AFC Champions League qualification

Daejeon Hana Citizen (3rd) vs. FC Seoul (5th)

Saturday 1st November - 14:00

A fixture that usually produces goals and drama. Since Daejeon's return to the top flight in 2023, games between the Purples and FC Seoul have produced, on average, 3.3 per match with 33 in total, including two 0-0s. Daejeon have found the back of the net 18 times, FC Seoul 15 times. Daejeon's win over Pohang has put them in the driving seat to finish at least third, but Seoul's incredible comeback from 2-0 down to win 4-2 against Gangwon will have given the capital club a huge boost to end the season strongly. Seoul are only three points behind fourth and are aiming for a second season in succession of AFC Champions League.

FC Seoul, though, will be without Jesse Lingard through suspension. His absence will be a big blow to the capital club after the former Manchester United star spearheaded Seoul's comeback off the bench in the 4-2 win over Gangwon. Daejeon will be without centre back Kim Min-duk, but Ha Chang-rae is back in contention after serving a one-match ban, while Lee Hyun-sik has returned from military service with Gimcheon.

FC Anyang (8th) vs. Ulsan HD (9th)

Saturday 1st November - 16:30

A huge clash in Final B sees FC Anyang host beleaguered former champions Ulsan HD this Saturday afternoon. Just a point separates the two teams heading into Round 35, but a win for either side would go a long way in easing their relegation worries. The Violets are four points above 10th and will be looking to return to winning ways after a 1-0 reverse away to Gwangju, a game that saw Bruno Mota miss a spot kick. That loss brought to an end the Violets' purple patch of form, having been seven unbeaten before that with four wins.

Ulsan fought back to earn a late draw at home to Daegu to preserve caretaker manager Noh Sang-rae's unbeaten start to life in the Munsu dugout; Lee Chung-yong scored for the second match in succession. Matches between the two have been tightly contested, with just a goal needed to secure victory. Anyang, famously, began life in K League 1 with a 1-0 away win over Ulsan on the opening day. Ulsan ran out 1-0 winners in their first visit to Anyang in April, then the two sides played out a 0-0 draw in September. Ulsan will have Lee Dong-gyeong back from Gimcheon, ready to help guide the Horangi to safety and continue his MVP-worthy form