Shanghai Seaport's situation has improved significantly with a crucial away win in this round of fixtures. Looking ahead to the next three phases of the schedule, which consists of two home games and one away game, the overall schedule is more favorable to Seaport. First, they will host Gwangju, then face Kobe Victory on the road before returning home to face Yokohama Marinos. A three points from each of the two home games would boost Seaport's hopes of advancing, but against these opponents, victory will not be easy.
Shandong Taishan managed to secure three points in this round of home matches, a victory that was crucial. Although the upcoming schedule includes one home game and two away games against Kawasaki, Gwangju and Ulsan, the situation for Shandong Taishan is still not to be underestimated. The key will be to capitalize on the home advantage against Gwangju and the opportunity to play Ulsan in the final round, where the team's fate will depend on its own grasp.
As for the other teams, Kobe Victory are six points ahead of ninth place, while Gwangju are five points ahead of fifth place. A win in the next round would essentially lock them into the promotion zone. Although Buriram United and Pohang Steelers are currently outside the promotion zone, the difference in points is not that big and they still have a chance to make a run at the top.
November 27th Race Overview
Gwangju FC to face Shanghai Shenhua
Shanghai Shenhua traveled to Gwangju World Cup Arena in a tightly contested matchup, with Kuwaiti-born Ahmad Ali officiating and video assistant referee Abdullah Kandari.
At one point in the first half, Gwangju scored a goal, but it was nullified by a foul. It wasn't until the 58th minute that Asani's brilliant overhead kick gave Gwangju the lead. Despite Shanghai Shenhua's all-out attack, they were never able to break through and ended up with a loss.
Yokohama Mariners defeated Pohang Ironmen by a score of 2-0.
The match got underway at the Yokohama International Complex Arena and the Yokohama Mariners were the first to break the deadlock in the 41st minute when Jan Mateusz scored a goal. As the match came to a close, Yokohama Mariners were awarded a penalty kick in the 95th+5th minute and Anderson Lopez managed to put the ball into the net. Meanwhile, Pohang Steelers also had a penalty kick opportunity in the 90th+9th minute, but Kim Minjoon's shot could not be converted into a goal.
