After around 9 months of action Round 40 the last round of the season is here. However even after 39 rounds there are still the matters of the Championship and the final relegation place to resolve. This weekend features 6 games 3 in each group, with the relegation group playing on Saturday and the championship group playing on Sunday.
As this is the final round, we’ve are once again including a league table for reference:
Championship Group: With the champions league spots all tied up there is only the matter of the championship and first ever K League Classic title. Ulsan and Pohang are the two sides still in the race and are facing each other. Ulsan win take the title with a win or a draw and Pohang will take home the gold only with a victory.
Relegation Group: Daejeon Citizen became the first side to good down to next seasons K League Challenge and they will the joined by either Gangwon or Daegu. Gangwon need a win to guarantee survival, however a draw or defeat coupled with a Daegu victory will result in their relegation. Gyeongnam should be safe from the relegation playoff game unless they lose and Gangwon win with an 18 goal swing (extremely unlikely).
Busan I’Park and Seongnam both have a bye round and have finished their seasons.
This weeks preview of the K League Classic Games is in a slightly briefer style than normal;
K League Classic:
Saturday November 30th:
Daejeon Citizen vs. Chunnam Dragons (2pm) – Relegation Group
This is a bit of a post season friendly as neither side has much to play for apart from pride. Daejeon were relegated on Wednesday and Chunnam are safely in 10th place. We’re not expecting much from this game and feel that Daejeon will edge it with home advantage to a highlight to a pretty terrible season.
Prediction: 1 – 0
Daegu vs. Gyeongnam (2pm) – Relegation Group
As we mentioned above Daegu still have a chance of survival as long as Jeju United can help them out. Gyeongnam are basically safe from any trouble and therefore we feel that Daegu should easily win this one, but it maybe too little too late.
Prediction: 2 – 0
Gangwon vs. Jeju United (2pm) – Relegation Group
This is a must win game for Gangwon as either a defeat or a draw would most likely result in relegation (assuming that Daegu win). Jeju United have been safe for months and are just playing for fun. We feel Gangwon will have a real edge as they have something to play for and will win. They will although have to face Sangju Sangmu in the playoff match still.
Prediction: 2 – 1
Sunday December 1st:
Ulsan Hyundai vs. Pohang Steelers (2pm) – Championship Group
It has all come down to this, after 90mins the title will either be Ulsan’s or Pohang’s. As mentioned above with 2 points between the sides a win or draw will be enough for Ulsan whilst Pohang have to win. This is of course a difficult one to call as both teams want to win and come into this game on strong form. So we’re siding with an entertaining draw.
Prediction: 2 – 2
Jeonbuk Motors vs. FC Seoul (2pm) – Championship Group
This game is basically a battle for 3rd place with only 1 point between the two sides. Although it won’t mean a lot neither side will want to walk away losing. Because of this we feel that it will most likely end in a draw.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Incheon United vs. Suwon Bluewings (2pm) – Championship Group
This game can’t come soon enough for faltering Incheon United as they look to end a season which started well but has ended in disappointment. Suwon Bluewings also haven’t ready ever been great either in the league or during their pretty awful Champions League Campaign. We feel a draw is the most likely outcome.
The game will also be the final games for former internationals Seol Ki-Hyeon (formerly Fulham and Reading) and Kim Nam-Il (formerly PSV)
Prediction: 1 – 1
K League Classic Round 40 Results
Saturday November 30th
Gangwon 3 – 0 Jeju United
Daejeon Citizen 2 – 0 Chunnam Dragons
Daegu 0 – 0 Gyeongnam
Today’s results mean that Daegu will join Daejeon in the K League Challenge next season. Gangwon will face Sangju Sangmu (Korean Army) in the 2 legged relegation-promotion playoff on the 4th and 7th of December.
Sunday December 1st
Ulsan Hyundai 0 – 1 Pohang Steelers
Incheon United 2 – 1 Suwon Bluewings
Jeonbuk Motors 1 – 1 FC Seoul
All 3 games had dramatic late goals however the Pohang Steelers goal will definitely live in the memory. In the 95th minute of a tight end to end game a goal mouth scramble results in a goal and the league title for Pohang Steelers. Tears of joy to Pohang Fans whilst tears of despair for Ulsan. The win means that Pohang add the League title to their FA Cup and become the first double winners in K League history.
Here are a few pictures from the end of the Ulsan Hyundai vs. Pohang Steelers game:
K League Classic Predictions Round Up
3 correct results with 1 perfect score this week.
K League Challenge
The K League Challenge like the K League is entering it’s final round of the season. However unlike the K League Classic there isn’t anything to play for apart from bragging rights and pride. All 8 teams play on Saturday afternoon at 2pm.
Here is a the K League Challenge League Table going into this final round of matches:
As you can see Sangmu Sangju are away and clear at the top and Chungju will finish bottom. A few of a minor places are still up for grabs but other than that the season is basically over. The most interesting game on paper tomorrow maybe between bottom two sides Bucheon 1995 and Chungju Hummel.
K League Challenge Round 35 Results
FC Anyang 4 – 0 Korean Police
Sangju Sangmu 4 – 1 Suwon City
Goyang Hi 0 – 1 Gwangju
Bucheon 1995 0 – 1 Chungju
Closing
For information on the previous round played this past Wednesday night, K League Classic Round 39 please CLICK HERE.
As always if you have anything you’d like to add please let us know.
We will try and keep things updated as best as possible via Twitter (and little via Facebook).
Tim
Modern Seoul
tim@modernseoul.org
Modern Seoul 