Ulsan Hyundai has surged back into second place in the K League 1 standings, securing a vital 1-0 victory against league leaders FC Seoul. The decisive goal came late in the second half from substitute Sim Sang-min, breaking Seoul’s momentum and narrowing the gap at the top of the table.
Ulsan Hyundai’s Tactical Resurgence
Under manager Kim Hyun-seok, Ulsan Hyundai adopted a three-back formation for this crucial home fixture at Munsu Football Stadium. This tactical shift, described by Kim as an “extreme measure” suited to the team’s current situation, saw Seol Myung-gwan, Jung Seung-hyun, and Kim Young-gwon forming the defensive core, supported by wing-backs Jang Si-young and Cho Hyun-taek. The midfield was anchored by Lee Gyu-seong and Thomas, with Eric, Lee Jin-hyun, and Eder forming the attacking trident. This setup aimed to counter Seoul’s potent offense and regain control in midfield.
The absence of top scorer Yakago, who was suspended after his expulsion in the previous match against Jeju, presented a challenge. However, manager Kim Hyun-seok hinted at strategic flexibility, potentially deploying midfielder Junior or substitute Jung Seung-hyun in advanced attacking roles.
FC Seoul’s Strong Lineup and Early Pressure
FC Seoul, managed by Kim Gi-dong, fielded a strong starting eleven despite the match being in the middle of their busy schedule. The team featured a slight tactical variation, with Mun Seon-min deployed as a winger alongside Kliimala, forming a potent attacking partnership. Jung Seung-won, Son Jeong-beom, and Babets occupied the midfield, while Choi Jun, Aja, and Roos formed the back four. Kim Jin-su completed the defensive line, with Gu Seong-yun in goal. The bench included Shin Ye, and Jung Ha-won, reflecting a squad depth that has been tested by injuries, national team call-ups, and other absences.
Manager Kim Gi-dong had expressed high expectations for his team, noting their “top-tier sense” for players of the same age group.
First Half Stalemate
Ulsan started the match with intent, creating the first notable chance in the fifth minute. Lee Gyu-seong’s pass from the right side of the penalty area found Eder, whose shot went wide of the post. Despite Seoul enjoying more possession (60-40), they struggled to penetrate Ulsan’s compact defense, often losing possession in dangerous areas due to Ulsan’s effective high press.
Seoul had their own opportunity in the 24th minute when Kliimala earned a free-kick just outside the penalty area. Kim Jin-su’s left-footed strike sailed just over the crossbar. Later, in the 31st minute, a pass from Kliimala to Jung Seung-won inside the box was met by a block from Cho Hyun-taek. Another chance arose in the 36th minute when a free-kick from Jung Seung-won was headed towards his own goal by Lee Gyu-seong, forcing a save from Cho Hyun-woo.
Ulsan responded before halftime. In the final minute of the first half, Eder intercepted a pass from Kim Jin-su and quickly advanced the ball to Eder. Eder then passed to Lee Dong-gyeong, who took a shot towards the near post, but Gu Seong-yun made the save. The first half concluded with a 0-0 draw, reflecting a tightly contested match with few clear-cut chances.
Second Half Substitutions and Tactical Adjustments
Ulsan made a substitution at halftime, bringing on Lee Ui-gyu for Lee Jin-hyun. Early in the second half, Lee Dong-gyeong had a shot saved by Gu Seong-yun. Seoul also made a change in the 54th minute, introducing Lee Seung-mo for Son Jeong-beom in midfield, a move anticipated by manager Kim Gi-dong who had expressed concerns about the physical conditioning of Seoul’s midfielders.
The game intensified in the 66th minute when Ulsan’s Thomas made a solo run into the box and unleashed a left-footed shot, saved by Gu Seong-yun. Ulsan continued to make changes, bringing on Bo Yan-ichi for Lee Gyu-seong and Kang Sang-woo and Sim Sang-min for Eder and Jang Si-young, respectively, aiming to inject fresh energy into their attack.
Sim Sang-min’s Heroic Winner
The deadlock was finally broken in the 83rd minute. Lee Dong-gyeong delivered a powerful cross from the left side of the penalty area, and substitute Sim Sang-min met it with a diving header, scoring his debut goal for Ulsan against the league leaders. This goal was a significant moment, marking Ulsan’s first victory against Seoul this season and putting them firmly in contention for the title.
Lee Dong-gyeong’s assist brought his season tally to 9 goals and 9 assists, leaving him just one goal and one assist shy of achieving double-digit figures in both categories for the second consecutive season, a feat unprecedented for a domestic player.
Seoul’s Desperate Push and Ulsan’s Defense Holds Firm
In response to falling behind, Seoul launched a series of attacks. Babets’ long-range shot in the 86th minute was saved by Cho Hyun-woo, and Anderson’s shot in the 87th minute was also denied. Ulsan, seeking to protect their lead, brought on Junior for Lee Dong-gyeong in the closing minutes.
Seoul made a final offensive push, substituting Kliimala for Cheon Seong-hoon in added time. However, Ulsan’s defense, marshaled by Cho Hyun-woo, held firm. Cho Hyun-woo made a crucial save from Aja’s shot in the 96th minute, securing the 1-0 victory for Ulsan Hyundai.
Implications for the Title Race
This win is a significant boost for Ulsan Hyundai, not only reclaiming second place but also reducing the points deficit to FC Seoul. The victory demonstrates Ulsan’s resilience and tactical prowess, proving they are strong contenders in the K League 1 title race. FC Seoul, despite the setback, still holds a comfortable lead at the top, but this result serves as a warning that the championship battle is far from over.
