I couldn't even laugh at the end of 2025Um Won-sang's comeback goal Ulsan lost 13 to Oh Se-hoon's net goal and failed to win three consecutive ACLE games
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Ulsan lost 1-3 in Game 6 of the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) League Stage in the 2025-2026 season at Machida Ondo Stadium in Japan on the 9th.
Ulsan was in sixth place with two wins, two draws and one loss in five previous ACLE games and eight points. Machida's points were also eight points, but he was in fourth place ahead of goal difference. In order to gain an advantage in the ACLE journey, Ulsan's victory against Machida was important. If he wins, it was more important because he could also close the gap with the leader, Vissel Kobe.
Even at the end of the year, it was an important battle. Ulsan finished its K League 1 journey in ninth place in the 2025 season. On the 30th of last month, he lost the final K League 1 match against Jeju 0-1, but Suwon FC also failed to win, overcoming the risk of falling into the promotion playoff. I was confident on the ACLE stage. He allowed only three runs in five games. Along with a stable goal, a solid defensive line stood out.
Acting Ulsan coach Noh Sang-rae operated the 4-1-4-1 formation. The front line was Malkong, and Heo Yul, Ko Seung-beom, Boyanich and Lee Hee-kyun were on the second line. Trojac stood on the third line. Four Bags were built by Park Min-seo, Seo Myeong-gwan, Jung Seung-hyun, and Kang Sang-woo. Cho Hyun-woo defended the goal.
Oh Se-hoon took the lead in finishing. Na Sang-ho was excluded from the list. It was established by Keiya Sento and Takuma Nishimura in the second line, and by Asahi Matsuyama, Hokuto Shimoda, Utah Nakayama and Kotaro Hayashi in the midfield. The defense was composed by Mochizuki Henry, Shoji Gen and Ibrahim Dressevich. The goalkeeper's gloves were worn by Dani Gosei.
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Ulsan, which was trying to chase, even dedicated an additional run. Nishimura, who drove the ball to the front of the Ulsan penalty area in the 21st minute of the first half, attempted a right-footed shot. Cho Hyun-woo threw himself into the corner of the Ulsan goal, widening the gap.
Ulsan attempted to counterattack around Malkong. In the 27th minute of the first half, Park Min-seo delivered the pass to Malkong in a counterattack to Kang Sang-woo, who was rushing by turning it back with one touch. Didn't get the ball right and couldn't get connected to the shot.
Ulsan made an unconventional replacement before finishing the first half. In the 35th minute of the first half, Malkong and Heo Yul were removed at the same time, and Um Won-sang and Rubik'sson were put in. Rubik'sson was at the forefront instead of Malkong.
Machida shook Ulsan's defense, aiming for the third score. In the 41st minute of the first half, Nishimura received a long pass and cut the Ulsan goal with a sharp shot. However, it was confirmed that it was offside at the time of the pass, and the score was not recognized.
Ulsan lost a decisive opportunity. Ulsan, which quickly advanced to the camp through a calm connection in the center in the 42nd minute of the first half, finished with Um Won-sang, who received a sensational pass from Rubik'sson, shooting from the gate, but the ball rose high above the net. The first half ended with Machida's 2-0 lead.
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However, Ulsan did not easily give up the game. Rubik'sson, who was replaced, started chasing with the lead. In the 10th minute of the second half, Rubik'sson, who received a long pass that fell into the back space of the defense, penetrated into the penalty area. When Rubik'sson delivered a low and fast pass at the gate, Um Won-sang closed the gap by finishing with a non-stop shot.
Ulsan made an additional substitution to chase. In the 14th minute of the second half, Trojac and Lee Hee-kyun were excluded, and Lee Dong-kyung and Lee Chung-yong were added. It was a choice to add weight to the attack. Ulsan maintained its offensive. In the 18th minute of the second half, Park Min-seo's shot, which he attempted by catching the ball from the left side of the box, hit the post and lowered his head.
Even after finishing, he made efforts to run away again. Nakayama, who stole the ball through pressure in the 20th minute of the second half, tried to shoot directly in front of the box, but the ball went off the side of the net.
Ulsan unfortunately missed the opportunity to score an extra point. In the 23rd minute of the second half, Um Won-sang took a good chance in the box and even tried to shoot, but was blocked by Kosei's good defense. Cho Hyun-woo's good defense helped overcome the crisis. In the 25th minute of the second half, Cho Hyun-woo blew himself to block Nishimura's powerful shot in a one-on-one situation in the box.
Until the end, Ulsan's additional points were not scored, and the game ended with Ulsan's 1-3 defeat.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
