Jeonbuk’s late surge leaves Ulsan chasing shadows | OneFootball

Jeonbuk Motors 3-1 Ulsan Hyundai FC: K League 1 Leaders Respond After Early Setback

Match Overview

Jeonbuk Motors produced a response in the second half to maintain their grip at the top of K League 1, overcoming Ulsan Hyundai FC 3-1 at Jeonju World Cup Stadium on Saturday in round 17 of the regular season.

Ulsan, who have seen extensive squad changes and sit third in the league, struck first through Lee Chung-Yong after 11 minutes, assisted by Um Won-Sang. However, Jeonbuk equalised through Song Min-Kyu in the 26th minute, shifting the atmosphere in the stadium and setting up a competitive contest that lasted well into the closing stages.

Key Moments

The match developed into a high-tempo contest in midfield, with both teams adjusting lineups that reflected recent transfer activity. Jeonbuk established midfield control in the second half. Park Jin-Seob gave the home side the lead in the 87th minute, capitalising on a sustained spell of pressure.

In stoppage time, Tiago Orobó added a third for Jeonbuk, finishing off a counter-attack set up by Lee Seung-Woo. The scoreline confirmed Jeonbuk’s position at the top with a display of organisational strength and late-game focus.

Tactical and Squad Insights

Gustavo Poyet’s Jeonbuk maintained their familiar 4-3-3 formation, introducing Lee Young-Jae and Lee Seung-Woo after the hour mark to stabilise midfield activity and close out the contest. Ulsan, working under Kim Pan-Gon and using a 4-4-2, rotated fresh attacking options including Matías Lacava and Yago Cariello in the final quarter, but their substitutions did not alter the match’s momentum.

Recent signings played notable roles, with Song Bum-Keun in goal for Jeonbuk and Brazilian forward Erick Farias starting for Ulsan. Jeonbuk’s squad stability—despite several winter moves—contrasted with Ulsan’s ongoing integration of new faces.

Recent Context

Jeonbuk extend an unbeaten stretch to 13 matches, keeping their place at the top of the league with 10 wins and 5 draws from 17 matches. Their recent form contains a mix of defensive composure and timely goals. Ulsan, who have eight wins in the same span, are still searching for rhythm as their new arrivals adapt to the squad.

Jeonbuk’s victory relied on set-pieces, late substitutions, and a disciplined second-half approach, while Ulsan’s early goal was their main highlight before Jeonbuk’s midfield control shifted the momentum.

What’s Next

Jeonbuk head to Gangwon FC next, while Ulsan look to regroup at home against Suwon FC. Both sides continue to be shaped by their transfer strategies and the challenge of finding balance between established players and new signings.