Jeonbuk Hyundai has further solidified its hold at the top of the K League 1 table, extending its remarkable unbeaten run to 20 matches.

In the 24th round away fixture of the Hana Bank K League 1 2025 season, held at Gwangju World Cup Stadium on the 26th, Jeonbuk Hyundai edged out Gwangju FC 2-1 thanks to a decisive header from Thiago just before the final whistle.

With this victory, Jeonbuk now sits comfortably at the summit with 54 points, boasting a record of 15 wins and 5 draws. The team also maintained its dominance over Gwangju FC this season, recording two wins and a draw in their three encounters. Conversely, Gwangju, remaining at 32 points, stayed in sixth place with no change in ranking.

Jeonbuk seized the initiative early in the match. In the 13th minute, Kim Jin-gyu capitalized on an opportunity that arose when Song Min-kyu’s header struck the post, quickly sending home the rebound for the opening goal. Gwangju had several chances to equalize but failed to convert.

Notably, in the 34th minute, Asani’s long-range free kick hit the crossbar, and Choi Kyung-rok’s subsequent would-be goal was ruled offside after a VAR review. Gwangju again missed out in added time when Byun Jun-su’s header was denied by Jeonbuk goalkeeper Song Bum-keun, sending the match into halftime with Jeonbuk ahead.

The second half remained tightly contested. In the 75th minute, Ha Seung-woon leveled the score for Gwangju with a precise right-footed shot from the edge of the penalty arc after cutting in from the left wing. Later in the half, Choi Kyung-rok nearly put Gwangju ahead, but Song Bum-keun’s sharp save denied him once again.

In stoppage time, Jeonbuk clinched victory when Thiago powerfully headed in Kwon Chang-hoon’s corner, securing both the win and Jeonbuk’s fourth consecutive league triumph. Gwangju had a final chance when Asani’s free kick struck the woodwork, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.

Elsewhere, Suwon FC overcame FC Anyang 2-1 at Suwon Sports Complex. Suwon recorded its first three-game winning streak of the season, moving closer to ninth-placed Gangwon and narrowing the gap with tenth-placed Anyang to just two points. Anyang initially took the lead with a goal from Mateus, but Suwon FC responded with consecutive goals from Subak and a free kick by Willian to complete the comeback.

In another notable result, Gimcheon Sangmu defeated Jeju SK 3-1 at Gimcheon Complex Stadium, reclaiming second place with 39 points. Gimcheon gained a commanding lead through successive goals by Park Sang-hyuk, Kim I-seok, and Kim Kang-san. Although an own goal provided Jeju with a brief consolation, it was not enough to alter the outcome. Jeju, meanwhile, saw its winning streak halted and remains in eighth place.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News