top of page
Search

Ulsan HD lose helplessly to Kobe

  • Writer: Junhwi Lee
    Junhwi Lee
  • Nov 19
  • 2 min read

Nov 19, 2025

Junhwi Lee



Ulsan HD, who had been cruising in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) league stage, suffered their first defeat on the road in Japan. Led by acting head coach Noh Sang-rae, Ulsan lost 0–1 to Vissel Kobe in the East Zone Matchday 4 game of the 2025–2026 ACLE held at Noevir Stadium Kobe on the 5th.


The ACLE league stage is split into East and West zones, each with 12 teams playing eight games. The top eight from each zone advance to the round of 16. Before this match, Ulsan were first in the East with 2 wins and 1 draw (6 points), but the loss dropped them to third. Kobe, meanwhile, moved into sole first place with 3 wins and 1 loss (9 points).


From the start, Kobe took control. In the 4th minute, a quick counter saw Daiju Sasaki’s right-footed shot hit the post. Kobe kept pressing on the ensuing corner, and though Ulsan’s defense wobbled, they managed to avoid conceding. In the 11th minute, Yuya Osako found the net, but after an on-field review, the goal was disallowed for offside due to teammate Jean Patrick interfering with the goalkeeper’s line of sight.


Ulsan had few chances going the other way. In the 20th minute, after Lakaba escaped pressure to create space, Heo Yul’s long-range effort flew wide. Late in the half, Kobe continued to threaten, with Osako’s volley crashing off the crossbar among several close calls. The first half ended 0–0, but Kobe dominated with a 10–2 shot advantage and 71% possession.


The deadlock broke in the 58th minute. Inside the box, Jean Patrick took a touch to shake off his marker and buried a left-footed turning shot for what proved to be the winner. Ulsan responded by bringing on Lee Chung-yong, then later Lee Dong-gyeong and Marcão to chase the game. In the 69th minute, Lee Dong-gyeong’s cross found Marcão, but his header went straight at the keeper. Further attempts by Lee and Marcão were also denied by goalkeeper Daiya Maekawa. In the 88th minute, Marcão’s shot skimmed just over the bar, and Ulsan couldn’t find an equalizer.


Ulsan started in a 3-4-3: Moon Jeong-in in goal; a back three of Seo Myeong-gwan, Trojak, and Lee Jae-ik; a midfield of Cho Hyun-taek, Kim Min-hyeok, Lee Jin-hyun, and Choi Seok-hyun; and a front three of Lakaba, Heo Yul, and Baek In-woo. Lee Chung-yong, Lee Dong-gyeong, and Marcão came on in the second half. Kobe lined up in a 4-3-3 with Osako, Miyashiro, and Jean Patrick up front, and Patrick scored the decisive goal.


Although Ulsan suffered their first loss of the season and ceded top spot, they still have time in the remaining league-stage matches to climb back up. For the next game, improving their buildup under pressure from the start and being more clinical in front of goal look like key tasks.



bottom of page