K League 1 automatic relegation battle, now a two-way match between Gangwon FC and Suwon Samsung

The automatic relegation battle of ‘Hana One Q K League 1 2023’, which is nearing its end, has virtually become a two-way match.

Suwon FC, 10th in K League 1, added 1 point after drawing 1-1 in an away game against Daejeon Hana Citizen on the 22nd. Suwon FC, who has accumulated 32 points, widened the points gap with 11th place Gangwon FC (26 points) and 12th place Suwon Samsung (25 points) to 6 and 7 points, respectively. It is a gap that will be difficult to overturn in the remaining four games. In the end, two teams, Gangwon and Suwon Samsung, competed to escape from the bottom 12th place, which would result in automatic relegation.

Both teams have been struggling throughout this season. Advancement to Final B was confirmed early on, and these are the teams most likely to be relegated. However, even though relegation is just around the corner, neither team is able to turn the situation around. They played their first match of the final round on the 22nd, but Gangwon lost 1-2 to FC Seoul and Suwon lost 0-2 to Jeju United.

In particular, Gangwon’s results were disappointing. While Jeju was still competing for relegation, Seoul was already confirmed to remain, so their motivation was bound to drop. However, on this day, Gangwon was completely defeated by Seoul with the number of shots fired 6 to 19 and the expected score value 0.55 to 2.29. Seoul players, who were less motivated, seemed more motivated. It will be difficult to perform like the match against Seoul in the future. Players must go into the game with the mindset that they will definitely win by going one step further.스포츠토토

Now, the best scenario for Gangwon is to secure 11th place early and prepare for the promotion playoffs (PO). It may not be an easy task, but we need to secure 11th place by accumulating as many points as possible in the three games between Jeju-Daejeon-Suwon FC. If 11th place cannot be confirmed in advance, the final round match against Suwon Samsung will become a burdensome ‘game of destruction.’ As this match is away to Big Bird (Suwon World Cup Stadium), early confirmation of 11th place is very important.

If Gangwon maintains 11th place until the end, it will face 2nd place in K League 2 in the PO. In the current situation, one of Busan I’Park and Gimcheon Sangmu, which are fiercely competing for the lead, is expected to take second place. Both teams have been in good form throughout the season, and although they are in the second division, they boast solid power, so they are a burdensome opponent.

For Gangwon, every game is on the edge of a cliff. From now on, there is a high possibility that a loss will lead to relegation. Coach Yoon Jeong-hwan said after the Seoul match, “The players are losing confidence as they make mistakes after taking the ball away from the opponent. His will was clear. “The motivation is clear,” he said. If the performance against Seoul came from a state of strong motivation, it does not seem easy to stay. The entire team needs to take another look. The remaining opportunities are dwindling.