In a stunning display of giant-killing prowess, K3 League club Ulsan Citizen FC has advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2026-27 Hana Bank Korea Cup, defeating their K1 League counterparts, Ulsan HD, by a score of 1-0. The dramatic upset occurred on May 29th at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, marking a significant achievement for the semi-professional side.
Ulsan Citizen FC’s Remarkable Cup Run Continues
This victory over Ulsan HD, the reigning champions of the K1 League, follows Ulsan Citizen FC’s earlier triumph against Seoul E-Land FC, a team from the K League 2. The club has now eliminated two professional teams in succession, solidifying its reputation as a formidable ‘giant killer’ in this year’s tournament. For Ulsan HD, the loss represents a significant blow to their aspirations in the prestigious cup competition.
Match Decided by a Single Goal
The decisive moment of the match came in the 17th minute of the first half. Ulsan Citizen FC’s Kim Jae-cheol capitalized on a misplaced pass from Ulsan HD. With composure and precision, Kim Jae-cheol unleashed a left-footed shot that found the back of the net, securing the lead that would ultimately prove insurmountable.
Kim Jae-cheol Reflects on the Historic Win
Following the match, a jubilant Kim Jae-cheol shared his thoughts on the team’s monumental victory. “It feels great to beat a professional team,” he stated. “We were always prepared and ready. The timing was right, and the shot went in fortunately.” He emphasized the boost in morale derived from consecutive wins against professional opposition. “Beating professional teams one after another gives us so much motivation. We are proving our strength through the Korea Cup,” Kim added, highlighting the team’s determination to make a statement in the tournament.
Looking Ahead: A Clash with Gwangju FC
Ulsan Citizen FC’s reward for their impressive victory is a Round of 16 tie against Gwangju FC. Gwangju FC also secured their place in the next round by defeating Cheonan City FC 1-0 on the same day. Kim Jae-cheol expressed confidence in his team’s prospects, even suggesting that the upcoming match might be less challenging than their encounter with Ulsan HD.
“Our next opponent in the Round of 16 will be either Gwangju or Cheonan,” Kim explained. “It might not be as tough as facing Ulsan, as Ulsan is such a strong team. We will prepare well and aim to win the next game too.” His confident outlook underscores the growing belief within the Ulsan Citizen FC squad following their string of upsets.
Other Korea Cup Third Round Results
The third round of the Hana Bank Korea Cup saw several other notable matchups:
- Gimpo FC vs. Incheon United: Gimpo FC emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win over Incheon United. They are set to face Gimcheon Sangmu in the Round of 16.
- Busan IPark vs. FC Seoul: In a highly anticipated clash between the top teams of K League 2 and K League 1 respectively, Busan IPark secured a convincing 2-0 victory against FC Seoul.
Conclusion: A Testament to Korean Football’s Depth
The upsets in the Hana Bank Korea Cup serve as a powerful reminder of the competitive spirit and rising talent within South Korean football. Ulsan Citizen FC’s journey from the K3 League to defeating top-tier professional clubs highlights the potential for lower-division teams to challenge the established order. As they prepare to face Gwangju FC, Ulsan Citizen FC will carry the hopes of many, aiming to continue their Cinderella run and further etch their name in the annals of Korean football history.
