Seoul: As the K League 1 enters its final stage, the lower-tier teams are gearing up for a critical battle to avoid relegation. The league, which splits into two groups after 33 matches, sees the bottom six clubs in Final B fighting to secure their spots in South Korea’s top football division for the next season.
According to Yonhap News Agency, after the regular season’s 33 games, the 12 teams are divided based on their standings. The top six form Final A, competing for the league championship and qualification for the continental tournaments, while the bottom six make up Final B, where the focus shifts to avoiding relegation. The last-place team will drop directly to K League 2, whereas the 10th and 11th place teams face a playoff against teams from the lower division to retain their status in K League 1.
Currently, Incheon United finds itself in a precarious position at the bottom of the table with 32 points, trailing Daejeon Hana Citizen FC by three points. Incheon, which has scored only once in the las
t four matches, faces a tough challenge ahead, starting with a home game against Jeju United. This match is crucial as Incheon has never been relegated and aims to keep that record intact.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, historically one of the league’s dominant forces with nine championships, are experiencing an unexpectedly poor season. Positioned 10th with 37 points, they are also fighting to escape the drop. Jeonbuk’s upcoming match against Daejeon is particularly significant as they have not managed a win against them in their last six encounters. A recent form improvement gives them hope, with the team having lost only once in their last six matches.
The first match of the final phase in Final B features Gwangju FC against Daegu FC. Gwangju, sitting more comfortably with 43 points, might prioritize their efforts in the upcoming 2024-2025 Asian Football Confederation Champions League Elite tournament, though they still need to ensure their league safety.
As the season nears its conclusion, each match in K Lea
gue 1’s Final B becomes critical, with teams battling not just for points but for their survival in South Korea’s premier football league.