Football is a goal after all.
Ulsan HD defeated Yokohama Marinos (Japan) by a score of 1-0 with Lee Dong-kyung’s winning goal in the first leg of the semifinals of the 2023-2024 Asian Champions League (ACL) held at Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan on Thursday. The team enjoyed the joy of securing a berth to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, which will be expanded to 32 teams in 2025.
However, the team had some regrets. Consequently, it was frustrating as only one goal was scored. In the 22nd minute of the second half, Joo Min-kyu and Lee Dong-kyung of Ulsan hit the post in the 23rd minute. In the 26th minute of the second half, Joo’s header was blocked by the goalkeeper, and the ensuing goal was declared offside.
Will a one-goal victory be medicine or poison? Attention was focusing on the direction of the second game. “We are in a better position after winning the last game, but we should forget that game. This is a game that can be played in a stable state psychologically, but it could be difficult as it is an away game. In order to block this, I have no choice but to play with the earnestness of winning the game.”
“It’s important not to think about the outcome of the first round. We have to win the first round no matter what,” the resurgent Lee Dong-kyung said. “I’m planning to join the military a few days later, but I haven’t put much effort into it. I’m preparing my physical conditions so that I can focus on the remaining games. The best scenario is to join the military after winning the match and advancing to the finals.” Lee will join the military in Sangmu on Tuesday.
However, the dark cloud of one goal finally became reality in the second game. The dark cloud of one goal was not exceeded as much as one goal. Ulsan failed to advance to the finals in the second round of the ALC semifinals against Yokohama on Sunday at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, Japan. Considering the level of spring rain, the team wetted the ground vigorously. It was the worst even from the start.
Ulsan allowed three goals to Yokohama in the 30th minute of the first half. While Kim Young-gwon and Hwang Seok-ho delayed the ball in the 13th minute, Uenaka Asahi scored the first goal. Andersson López shook the net in the 21st minute, and Uenaka completed a multi-goal in the 30th minute.
Ulsan found no way out. Hong hurriedly pulled out a substitute card in the 34th minute of the first half. He replaced Lee Gyu-seong with Bojanic. It was a “god move.” As if lying, the mood changed. Ulsan scored a comeback goal when Mateus responded to Lee Dong-kyung’s corner kick with a header in the 35th minute. 밤알바
The 39th minute was another inflection point. Eom Won-sang, passed by Bojanic, scored a penalty kick while dribbling like lightning to elude opponent team defender Takumi Kamijima. Kamijima hand-picked the ball and received a direct red card. Yokohama had 10, and Ulsan had 11. Bojanic calmly scored the goal as the penalty kicker.