Key Matches in the Key Races: Alternative K League 1 Round 29 Preview

The 2025 K League 1 season is entering a critical phase with the title and relegation races largely decided, but key matches in Round 29 will significantly impact the final standings. This preview focuses on two crucial fixtures that could determine which teams qualify for the AFC Champions League or face relegation battles.

Gangwon FC, currently in 7th place, will host 5th-place FC Seoul on Saturday, September 13th. Gangwon has climbed away from the relegation zone after two consecutive 1-0 victories and is now level on points with 6th place and just two points behind Seoul. Both teams, along with Gwangju, are at a season-defining crossroads where strong results could secure AFC Champions League qualification, while poor form may relegate them to the lower Final B group. Seoul is struggling with consistency after a recent home loss and desperately needs a win to stay clear of the relegation battle. The teams have split results this season, with Seoul winning 1-0 in Round 5 and a 1-1 draw in Round 19.

In another pivotal match, 9th-place FC Anyang will face 11th-place Jeju SK on Sunday, September 14th. This is a direct clash between teams fighting to avoid automatic relegation, making it a high-stakes encounter for both sides. Anyang is coming off a confidence-boosting away win against FC Seoul, while Jeju SK is languishing at the bottom of the table and urgently needs points to escape the drop zone.