K League 1 Playoff Second Leg: Jeju United Host Suwon Samsung Bluewings in Decisive Promotion Battle

Match Background & Qualification Scenarios

This K League 1 promotion-relegation playoff second leg is a pivotal match that will determine which of Jeju United FC and Suwon Samsung Bluewings will compete in the K League 1 for the 2026 season. Jeju United FC finished 11th in the 2025 K League 1 regular season, placing them in the playoff to retain their top-flight status. Suwon Samsung Bluewings, as the K League 2 runners-up, are fighting for promotion back to the elite division. The first leg, played on December 3, saw Jeju United FC secure a crucial 1-0 away victory over Suwon Samsung Bluewings, giving them an aggregate lead and a valuable away goal advantage. This means Suwon Bluewings must now win at Jeju World Cup Stadium to achieve their goal of returning to the top tier.

Recent Form

Jeju United FC's recent form over their last five official matches has been mixed, with two wins, one draw, and two losses. They secured a vital 1-0 away victory against Suwon Samsung Bluewings in the first leg of the playoff, demonstrating their resilience in a crucial moment. Prior to that, they recorded a win against Ulsan on November 30 and drew 1-1 with Daegu on November 23. However, they suffered defeats to Anyang and Gwangju earlier in November. Suwon Samsung Bluewings, on the other hand, have struggled recently, with a record of one win, three draws, and one loss in their last five outings. Their 0-1 home defeat to Jeju United FC in the playoff first leg puts them under significant pressure for the return match. Before the playoff, they drew 1-1 with GimPo Citizen on November 22 and Ansan Greeners on November 8. Their sole victory in this period was a 2-0 win against Chungbuk Cheongju on October 31.

Key Players & Injury News

Jeju United FC's attack will likely rely on forward Yuri, who has a decent scoring record from the 2023 season. Defender Jang Min-gyu and midfielders Oh Jae-hyeok and Kim Ryun-seong are crucial for solidifying the defense and midfield. Captain Lee Chang-Min and attacker Nam Tae-Hee are also key figures. Currently, Jeju United FC has no new significant injury concerns reported. For Suwon Samsung Bluewings, key players like forwards Bruno Silva, Matheus Serafim, and Stanislav Iljutcenko will be vital for breaking down Jeju's defense, although Iljutcenko has been without a goal in his last eight matches. Midfield lynchpin Lee Gyu-sung was reportedly missed in the first leg, impacting the team's organization, and his fitness will be crucial for the return fixture. Goalkeeper Kim Min-jun's performance in the first leg was scrutinized, and his form will be a key factor in Suwon's ability to mount a comeback. No new major injury updates have been reported for the Bluewings.