'1st round is becoming a reality. Ulsan HD, Pohang Steelers, Gimcheon Sangmu, and 'Yeongnam K League 1 Big 3', which were unlikely to last long, are solid even in July, when they hit the halfway point. The three teams are taking turns at the top of the list.
The 23rd round of the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2024' held over the weekend saw an interesting battle for the lead. Pohang started first, but Ulsan succeeded in retaking the lead on the 13th. In one day, the No. 1 spot has changed again. Gimcheon hit the top on the 14th. So we don't know when the lead will change again. Gimcheon has 43 points, Ulsan has 42 points, and Pohang has 41. It ranks first to third by a one-point difference.
be inconsiderate of the flow. In the last round, Gimcheon and Ulsan broke the chain of winless games (1 draw and 1 loss) and 3 consecutive games (1 draw and 2 losses), respectively, and succeeded in turning the tables. Gimcheon defeated Jeonbuk Hyundai, which once commanded the K League 1, 4-0. Jeonbuk was outnumbered by Park Jin-seop's exit in the 35th minute of the first half, but the match was already tilted. Gimcheon led 1-0 and took the lead in terms of content.
Ulsan, where head coach Hong Myung-bo left, was more dramatic. The home game against FC Seoul was likely to end 0-0. Joy and sorrow were mixed just before the end. Heavenly luck came to Ulsan in the last attack. It was 48 minutes into the second half. Joo Min-kyu intercepted the ball shot by Yoon Il-rok in the middle and scored with a left-footed turning shot. Kang Sang-woo of Seoul was free from offside because he couldn't get out.
On the other hand, Pohang lost 1-2 against Jeju United, breaking its unbeaten streak (3 wins and 3 draws) for six consecutive games. It was a painful expedition. Pohang's dedication of the penalty kick just before the end of the game was a source of concern. Jeju's Yuri Jonathan allowed the winning goal, and the ending whistle immediately rang. Gangwon FC and Suwon FC, ranked fourth and fifth, are also aiming to enter the race for the top spot. However, he failed to take advantage of the opportunity in the last round. Gangwon drew 1 to 1 and 2 to 2 with Daejeon and Suwon FC with Daegu, respectively. The two teams have 38 points each. The rankings are mixed in terms of multiple points. The gap between Pohang and Pohang is only three points, but the crisis must be overcome.
The direction of the next round is already interested. The quarterfinals of the Korea Cup are a variable. Ulsan and Pohang are still alive among the "Big 3". Ulsan will face Incheon United on the 17th and Pohang will face Seoul. On the other hand, not only Gimcheon but also Suwon FC and Gangwon were erased from the Korea Cup. There is less physical burden.
In the 24th round, 'Big 3' are all away. Gimcheon is waiting for the nightmarish Seoul match, which was defeated 1-5. Ulsan will play Jeonbuk 'Hyundai Debi' Jeonbuk is struggling to the bottom, but rival matches always have functions other than power. Pohang will again face a 1-1 draw at its home turf on June 15. Suwon FC and Gangwon FC, which face Incheon and Jeju, respectively, can enjoy reflective profits.
