Ulsan loses 1-2 to Melbourne in ACL Elite, dimming hopes for the Round of 16
Ulsan's debut under new coach Kim Hyun-seok resulted in a 1-2 defeat to Melbourne City, jeopardizing their chances of advancing in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Ulsan HD started a new chapter under coach Kim Hyun-seok but faced disappointment in their first match, losing 1-2 to Melbourne City in the AFC Champions League Elite. The game, held at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, saw Ulsan concede a goal early in the first half and struggle to regain control until a late equalizer brought hopes back into play. However, a critical mistake during the injury time allowed Melbourne to secure a hard-fought victory.
The loss marked Ulsan's fourth consecutive match without a win, causing them to drop to the ninth position in East Asia with just eight points from four games. With only the top eight teams advancing to the knockout stages, their upcoming match against Shanghai Highkang is crucial for their survival in the tournament. Fans and analysts are closely watching to see if Ulsan can regroup and find a way to claim a much-needed victory in their next fixture.
Melbourne City celebrated their own achievement by climbing to the fourth spot, solidifying their place in the Round of 16. This match showcased the competitive nature of the AFC Champions League Elite, highlighting the critical moments that can change the tide of the tournament and the ambitions of the teams involved. As Ulsan faces a challenging path ahead, their performance in the next match will be pivotal to their chances of progressing in the competition.