Ulsan HD FC snatched a thrilling 2-1 victory over Chengdu Rongcheng in their opening match of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 League Stage(East Zone) at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, Ulsan.
The K League giants looked destined for a frustrating evening after falling behind to a first-half strike from De Erjiaduo, but goals from Um Won-sang and Heo Yool – the latter arriving deep into stoppage time – ensured Shin Tae-yong made a triumphant return to Asia’s biggest club stage.
Ulsan’s defence almost gifted Chengdu an early lead when Romulo latched onto a mistake, but the Brazilian dragged his shot wide. Minutes later, Markao wasted a golden chance to put the hosts in front, volleying wide at the far post after a slick move.
The breakthrough, however, came for the visitors in the 37th minute. A poor clearance from Lee Hui-gyun dropped kindly to De Erjiaduo, who calmly swept his first-time effort into the bottom corner to silence the Ulsan faithful.
After the restart, Ulsan pushed hard for the equaliser. Darijan Bojanic missed a clear opening inside the area, before goalkeeper Jian Tao pulled off crucial saves to deny Erick Farias and later tip Lee Hui-gyun’s long-range strike onto the crossbar.
The pressure finally told in the 76th minute when Bojanic slid a precise ball through to substitute Um Won-sang. Though his first attempt was blocked by Jian, Um reacted quickly to slot home the rebound via a deflection off Li Yang, restoring parity.
The match looked to be heading for a draw until the final moments of stoppage time. With Chengdu reduced to 10 men after De Erjiaduo’s dismissal for a foul on Choi Seok-hyun, Ulsan surged forward one last time.
From close range, Heo Yool pounced on a loose ball inside the box to fire home the decisive strike, sparking wild celebrations and sealing three priceless points for the Korean champions.
Credit Photo : AFC
