Pohang Steelers, who play Al Ittihad in Saturday's AFC Champions League final in Tokyo, confirmed their place in next year's continental competition by finishing second in the K-League table ahead of the play-offs.
Midfielder Hwang Jin-sung scored in the 11th minute as Pohang beat reigning champions Suwon Samsung Bluewings 1-0 on Sunday to finish ahead of FC Seoul on goal difference after both teams finished on 53 points.
FC Seoul, managed by Senol Gunes, reached the quarter-finals of this ye! ar's AFC Champions League, but will now rely on the K-League play-offs to secure a spot in next year's competition.
Jeonbuk Motors, led by K-League top scorer Lee Dong-gook, topped the table on 57 points. Jeonbuk will contest the championship play-off final against Pohang or the winners of the preliminary play-offs between the teams ranked third to sixth.
The top three teams in the K-League play-offs and the winners of Sunday's FA Cup final between Suwon and Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma will compete in next year's AFC Champions League.
Pohang will be competing in the AFC Champions League for the third successive time after qualifying for the last two events by winning the K-League in 2007 and the FA Cup last year.
The Steelers reached this year's AFC Champions League final by winning their semi-final 4-1 on aggregate against Qatar's Umm Salal, who had beaten FC Seoul in the quarter-finals.
Al Ittihad are also assured of a place in next year's AFC! Champions League after they won the 2008-09 Saudi Pro League.!
