ACL Preview: Perth Glory vs Ulsan Hyundai

Ulsan Hyundai made a statement with their 3-1 home victory against Shanghai Shenhua last time out, with Yoon Bit-garam bagging a brace to seal the win.  Perth Glory fell to the same rivals by a score of 2-1 in their first group stage encounter and will look to set things right on home ground when the sides meet on Tuesday night. KLU's Branko Belan looks ahead to the match.

Match: Perth Glory vs Ulsan Hyundai

Venue: Education City Stadium

Kickoff: Tuesday November 24th, 2020; 22:00 KST

Last Time Out

Perth Glory 1-2 Shanghai Shenhua

Peng Xinli and Yu Hanchao scored first half goals for the Chinese side and all looked but done at the break.  Perth would grab a consolation goal in the second half, nine minutes from time through Jonathan Aspropotamitis, but in the end, it didn't prove enough as Richard Garcia's men fell to defeat.  

The hosts had the majority of the ball over the course of the match, but could not make their chances count in critical moments, and that will be something they will look to attempt to correct when they take on the Horangi on Tuesday night as they search for their first win in this year's competition.

Highlights

Ulsan Hyundai 3-1 Shanghai Shenhua

Yoon Bit-garam's first half brace was the deciding factor as Ulsan picked up their first victory of the 2020 Asian Champions League campaign.  They were dominant in possession for the first quarter of an hour, but couldn't find a way through the Shenhua defense.

That would change five minutes later when Yoon was on hand to slot home following a save from Li Shuai, slotting the ball into the back of the net.  He would add to his account four minutes to halftime with a rocket which put Ulsan two goals to the good at the break.

Kim Ki-hee would add a third with a looping header from a free kick just minutes after the hour mark, but Zhu Jianrong scored a consolation goal to spoil Jo Su-huk's bid at a clean sheet with just a minute of regular time remaining.  In the end, however, a valuable three points for Ulsan as they look forward to their next opponent.

Highlights

Team News

With their victory against Shanghai, Ulsan move top of Group F on goal difference.  Overall, it was a great performance, but they must be wary of their opponents who now have their backs to the wall and will do everything possible to get a win on Tuesday night.

The late conceded goal could be a cause for concern, but Ulsan will be vigilant in making sure the same does not happen against the 2018-19 A-League champions.

There are no suspensions on record, nor should there be changes to the starting eleven last time out. 

The Adversary

Nicholas D'Agostino is one to watch for Ulsan on Tuesday night.  Photo courtesy of AFC.

Coach Garcia was not completely dissatisfied with his club's performance last time out. 

"It was a decent performance," he began.

"The way the boys went about their business and played was very encouraging.  There were some very good performances which is fantastic after such a short run-in to the tournament.  Some of the younger players started with a few nerves, but they grew into the game and as it went on," 

"I think their belief in themselves grew and their performances were very good.  My message to the group after the game was that there were a lot of positives, we played well in patches and that we have a lot to work on to get to the next level, to where we want to be.  But for a first game, it was very encouraging... and thankfully we don't appear to have picked up any injuries."

What to Watch

Junior could be the man to make the difference on Tuesday night.

Junior Negrão did not manage to get on the scoresheet against Shenhua, but will be looking to find the net next time out.  Perth had 59 percent of the ball in the match, so Ulsan's wing play will have to be a major factor if they are to garner another three points from the contest.  But, the Horangi striker has been on fire for the club this season, outpacing the league with 26 goals in 27 matches, giving him the best goals per match ratio in K League history.  He will be surely disappointed with not finding the net against the Chinese side but will be at the fore to tuck in a few providing his teammates around him can provide him the proper service.

Prediction

It will be a tight encounter, but Ulsan have some momentum carrying them at the moment.  Perth will give their best, but it is time for this club, Ulsan, to prove they have the mettle to challenge for the title of the best on the Asian continent.

Predicted Score: Perth Glory 1-2 Ulsan Hyundai