FC Seoul, running away with the lead in this season's K League 1, has entered the final countdown toward its first league title in 10 years. Having dominated the regular season, Seoul could clinch the championship as early as this weekend's home match.
Seoul has 65 points from 20 wins, five draws and six losses through 31 rounds, 18 points clear of second-place Ulsan HD, which has 47 points from 14 wins, five draws and 12 losses, according to the Korea Professional Football League on the 16th.
With only seven matches left, including the six-game split round, Seoul needs just four more points to secure its seventh K League 1 title on its own, regardless of other results. It would be the club's first championship since 2016.
But Seoul, which has led the table all season, is aiming higher. The club wants to wrap up the title before the split round begins — a feat achieved only once in K League history since the split round was introduced in 2013. Jeonbuk Hyundai did it in 2018, clinching the title with six matches to spare after drawing 2-2 with Ulsan in the 32nd round and watching second-place Gyeongnam FC lose to Jeju.
The scenario for Seoul to match Jeonbuk is straightforward. Ulsan must draw or lose against Bucheon FC on the 17th, and Seoul must beat Gimcheon Sangmu at home the following day. If Ulsan fails to win, its maximum possible total falls to 48 points, meaning that even six straight victories would leave it short of the 68 points Seoul would have.
If that happens, Seoul will celebrate the milestone at home before its own fans.
Behind Seoul's dominance this season are manager Kim Ki-dong's tactical management and the depth of his squad. Kim has instilled his trademark organized pressing and precise build-up play, turning FC Seoul into a side that rarely loses. Seoul is the only one of the 12 K League 1 clubs yet to suffer consecutive defeats this season.
Key players across the pitch have been outstanding. Striker Jesse Klimala has scored 14 goals with one assist, putting him in contention for the scoring title, while Jung Seung-won has contributed eight goals and six assists from the flank. In defense, veteran Kim Jin-su and goalkeeper Koo Sung-yun have anchored the league's best defensive record, conceding just 26 goals.