The pride of Korean soccer is collapsing.
Ulsan HD, which participated in the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) as a K-League champion, lost three consecutive games between Korea and Japan.
Ulsan lost 0-2 to Vissel Kobe in Game 3 of the 2024-2025 ACLE League Stage at Ulsan Stadium on the 23rd. With the defeat, Ulsan fell to the bottom of 12 East Asian teams with three consecutive losses in the opening of the ACLE. Ulsan’s losing opponents in the ACLE were all representatives of the Japanese J League, including Kawasaki Frontale (0-1 loss), Yokohama Marinos (0-4 loss), and Vissel Kobe (0-2 loss).
Ulsan and the Central Coast Mariners (Australia) are the only teams that lost all three games in East Asia. However, Ulsan (-7) was defeated by Central Coast (-4). It is painful in that Ulsan has failed to score even a single goal while giving up seven goals at this year’s event.
Under the current circumstances, Ulsan cannot expect to advance to the ACLE Tournament. Ulsan coach Kim Pan-gon also lowered his head, saying, “I am ashamed. I have nothing to say even if our team fails to advance to the round of 16.” 토토사이트
Ulsan’s ACLE slump, which used to be recognized as a powerhouse in Asia, is due to difficulties in parallel with the K-League 1. Ulsan, which is aiming at winning the K-League 1 title for the third consecutive year, is leading the league by four points over second-ranked Gangwon FC. As the result of the remaining four matches determines whether or not to win the title, it was inevitable to form a group of players who intensively dispatched key players to the K-League 1. Ulsan also played in the 1.5th division against the Pohang Steelers on Wednesday, considering the East Coast Derby.
Ulsan is also a team that is concerned about the aging curve (the phenomenon in which physical ability declines as the players get older) due to the aging of its players in the K League 1. As defensive midfielders and central defenders in their mid-30s are also playing, they have the least number of goals (36 goals) in the K League 1, but there are holes in the defense in the ACLE that requires a rotation. There is no shortage when it comes to skills, but mistakes are becoming more frequent as the duration of the game gets shorter.
Coach Kim, who took the helm during the season, is calling for active forward pressure, but the players have yet to adapt. In particular, it is worrisome that Joo Min-gyu and Yago, who have to deal with scores at Ulsan, remain silent. If the two players do not recover, Ulsan will not likely advance to the round of 16 best teams in the ACLE, and it will not be easy for them to escape without goals.