Jeonbuk in command as Barrow seals win in Ulsan

Jose Morais' Jeonbuk side have one hand on the K League trophy thanks to Modou Barrow's second-half finish. Needing to beat Daegu FC next Sunday to claim a record-breaking eighth title and deny Ulsan once more, Jeonbuk withstood late pressure to leave the Munsu with all three points. (Ulsan Hyundai 0-1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors) 

What Happened?

The first half was not the cagey opening that some may have predicted for a match with so much riding on it. Lee Yong grasped the game by the scruff of the neck on 16 minutes and struck the base of post with a low drive from 25 yards, which had Jo Hyun-woo beaten. Ulsan replied just five minutes later in similar fashion as Yoon Bit-garam saw his free kick crash off the woodwork. 

Jeonbuk edged it before the break with their biggest opportunity falling to Gustavo from 12 yards on 35 minutes. Kim In-sung handled inside the area but the Brazilian striker saw his penalty saved. Opting for power over placement, Jo Hyun-woo was able to stretch a leg out and keep the scores level. Cho Gue-sung found time to hit a dipping volley in stoppage time, which struck the same post as Lee Yong earlier in the game.

After the break Ulsan looked slightly more composed with Hong Jeong-ho being forced into a diving block to stop a goal-bound effort with the hosts shooting towards their enthusiastic ultras section. Jose Morais' side continued to threaten however, with substitute Modou Barrow crossing for Han Kyo-won to see his header well saved by Jo. 

Just after the hour mark a calamitous backward header was misjudged by former Jeonbuk defender Kim Kee-hee, allowing substitute Modou Barrow to steal in. His deft touch was enough to beat Jo in the Ulsan goal with the winger running towards a jubilant bench to celebrate. Incredibly Yoon Bit-garam struck the bar with another free kick that appeared destined for the top left corner in the 91st minute.

A game living up to its billing

So often this type of game with a glamorous build up falls flat under the pressure of the occasion. The Munsu Stadium witnessed a fantastic atmosphere with a socially-distanced crowd clearly enjoying seeing their team in the flesh once more. Both sides appeared willing to attack freely especially as the game wore on with plenty of speculative efforts and inventive football played.

Down to the final weekend

In order to claim a fourth consecutive title, Jeonbuk must match Ulsan's result next weekend. They host Daegu in Jeollabukdo while Ulsan entertain Gwangju back at the Munsu. Ulsan fans do have some hope with Daegu beating Pohang Steelers 3-2 in their last outing with talisman Cesinha looking on top form. Last season also saw the Sky Blues run out winners in Jeonju and the Brazilian midfielder ran riot. He is yet to feature against Jeonbuk this season.

Barrow wheels away

Having to settle for a spot on the bench with under-22 option Cho Gue-seung and the in-form Han Kyo-won chosen ahead of him, Barrow showed no sign of being aggrieved with a match-winning performance. His pace has caused problems for many K League sides since his arrival on the peninsula and Kim Kee-hee added to his red card against his former team Jeonbuk earlier this season with an error he will not want to see back again.