FC Seoul saw their advantage at the top of the Korea Republic K-League trimmed to just a single point after suffering their third loss in four games on 6 September. The leaders lost 1-0 at the hands of Seongnam Ilhwa while second-placed Jeonbuk Motors downed Jeju United.

After the recent domestic league cup semi-final loss at the hands of Pohang Steelers, Seoul conceded what would turn out to be the clinching goal after just five minutes of Sunday's encounter. Seongnam defender Kim Sung-hwan was in the right place at the right time to steer an inviting free-kick from former Colombia international Mauricio Molina past goalkeeper Kim Ho-jun.

Jeonbuk, who also have a game in hand on the leaders, made ideal preparations for next weekend's meeting with AFC Asian Champions League quarter-finalists Seoul when two goals in two minutes from Lee Hyun-sung set up a 4-2 comeback win at home to Jeju.

Ricardo Olivera opened the scoring for the visitors after 27 minutes but ten minutes later Lee equalised for Seoul before completing the turnaround. Cho Hyung-jae pulled Jeju level ten minutes after the restart, but with 18 minutes remaining Brazilian striker Luis restored Jeonbuk's lead before Brasilia wrapped up the win.

"If we prepare well we can win at Seoul next weekend," said Jeonbuk coach Choi Kang-hee. "This match wasn't an easy one for us so I am very happy that we won."

Third-placed Pohang Steelers were surprisingly held to a 2-2 draw at home by Daejeon Citizen to fall five points off the pace, while fourth-placed Incheon United saw their play-off hopes hit as they were held to a goalless draw by basement side Daegu.

Elsewhere, Ulsan Hyundai Horang-I's recent good form continued with a comfortable 3-1 win at home to Busan I'Park. Gyeongnam made it three wins out of three with a 4-1 win over Chunnam Dragons, while defending champions Suwon Samsung Bluewings drew 3-3 with Gangwon.