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Ulsan's Champions League woes continue with third straight loss

Published: 24 Oct. 2024, 11:39

PAIK JI-HWAN
[email protected]

Vissel Kobe, right, celebrate during a 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite match against Ulsan HD at Ulsan Stadium in Ulsan on Wednesday. [K LEAGUE]

Ulsan HD lost 2-0 to Vissel Kobe in an AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) game at Ulsan Stadium in Ulsan on Wednesday, taking their third straight defeat in the tournament.

Ulsan ended the first half goalless after withstanding pressure from Kobe, but clumsy defense saw them concede a double to Taisei Miyashiro in the second half.

The K League 1 reigning champions failed to breakthrough in the first half, losing the ball frequently due to pressure from Kobe and allowing multiple shots in dangerous positions.

Kobe eventually broke the deadlock in the 47th minute when Miyashiro fired a shot inside the penalty area despite multiple defenders surrounding him.

The opening goal gave Vissel more confidence, attempting more shots that gradually translated into more coherent chances.

The shaky Ulsan defense, meanwhile, continued to cause the team problems. The second goal was a direct result of poor man marking.

Not a single defender was near Miyashiro in the penalty box when a cross went toward him, giving him the time and space to head in a goal in the 73rd minute.

The header sealed a 2-0 win for Kobe, while it marked a third consecutive loss for Ulsan.

Ulsan’s lackluster performance on Wednesday comes despite playing at Ulsan Stadium, the home of K3 team Ulsan Citizen, which has a better pitch than Munsu Football Stadium, Ulsan’s home ground deemed to be in unsuitable condition to hold matches.

Ulsan was forced to relocate the venue for Wednesday’s fixture to Ulsan Stadium after the AFC inspected Munsu Football Stadium and found it unsafe.

Divots on the pitch were visible even on camera during the ACLE match between Ulsan and Kawasaki Frontale on Sept. 18.

Ulsan have five more ACLE league stage matches to play in the 2024-25 season. The K League 1 champions next face Johor Darul Ta'zim in the ACLE in Malaysia on Nov. 5.

BY PAIK JI-HWAN [[email protected]]