Ulsan Hyundai is gearing up for a pivotal moment in its 2026 football campaign, as the club prepares to face Melbourne City in the 7th round of the 2025-2026 AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) league stage. The match, scheduled for February 11 at 7 PM at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, marks not only Ulsan’s first official fixture of the year but also the much-anticipated debut of new head coach Kim Hyun-seok.
There’s a palpable sense of urgency and excitement in Ulsan, and for good reason. After a disappointing 9th place finish in the K League 1 last season, the club is eager to turn the tide. Ulsan currently sits 8th in the East Asia group, with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses from six ACLE matches—good for 8 points and a -1 goal difference (5 scored, 6 conceded). The stakes couldn’t be higher: a win against Melbourne City would put Ulsan on the brink of securing a coveted spot in the round of 16. If Ulsan clinches victory and Gangwon FC falters against Shanghai Port, that ticket could even be punched one round early.
All eyes are on Kim Hyun-seok, a beloved former Ulsan player known as ‘Gamulchi’ during his active days. Taking the helm for the first time, Kim has spent the winter focused on team cohesion and tactical discipline. The squad underwent intensive training in Al Ain, UAE, before reconvening at the Ulsan clubhouse on January 31 for final preparations. Kim, alongside assistant coach Kwak Tae-hwi and tactical coach Watanabe, has been meticulous in his approach, emphasizing an attacking brand of football and detailed match analysis. "During winter training, we concentrated on strengthening team unity and assessing individual skills. Through one-on-one talks, I’ve gauged the players’ mindset and determination. We’ll maximize their strengths to secure a win in the season opener," Kim declared ahead of his debut.
Ulsan’s lineup for the Melbourne City clash will feature a 4-2-3-1 formation, showcasing both seasoned veterans and promising returnees. National team goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo, who lost his K League 1 Best XI spot last season, is determined to reclaim his status. The defensive line will include Shim Sang-min, Kim Young-gwon (the 35-year-old captain), Seo Myeong-kwan, and Yoon Jong-gyu. In midfield, Boyanich and Lee Kyu-sung anchor the core, while Kang Sang-woo, Lee Dong-gyeong, and Lee Hee-gyun operate just behind striker Yago—himself back from loan and eager to make his mark.
The winter transfer window saw little in the way of blockbuster signings for Ulsan. The most notable addition is Brazilian winger Pedrinho, who, along with Jo Min-seo, is primed for official debut appearances. Meanwhile, the departures of key players like Eom Won-sang, Rubickson, Jung Woo-young, and Lee Chung-yong have left gaps to fill, and foreign attacker Eric remains sidelined as he recovers from Achilles tendon surgery. As a result, Kim is placing his trust in the club’s core of experienced thirty-somethings—Kim Young-gwon, vice-captain Lee Dong-gyeong, and Jung Seung-hyun—to provide leadership on and off the pitch.
Captain Kim Young-gwon spoke candidly about the club’s new direction: "Since Coach Kim’s arrival, there’s been a noticeable shift in atmosphere. As captain, I feel a renewed sense of responsibility and will do my best to ensure the team starts the season strong and solid." Vice-captain Lee Dong-gyeong and defender Jung Seung-hyun echo this sentiment, determined to steady the ship after last year’s turbulence. Defender Kang Sang-woo, who impressed during winter training with top physical test results, is on a mission to help erase the embarrassment of Ulsan’s 50 goals conceded last season—fifth worst in the league.
One of the biggest talking points is Ulsan’s struggle for goals in the ACLE campaign so far. With just five in six matches, questions linger about the attack’s potency. The responsibility will fall squarely on the shoulders of frontmen Malcom, Yago, and Heo Yul, whose finishing could make or break Ulsan’s Champions League ambitions. "Our finishing up front has been lacking, so the roles of Malcom, Yago, and Heo Yul are more important than ever," Kim Hyun-seok noted, signaling his intent to get the most out of his attacking arsenal.
If there’s a silver lining, it’s Ulsan’s remarkable record against Australian opposition. The club hasn’t lost to an Aussie side in over a decade—an unbeaten run of 7 wins and 2 draws spanning 4,320 days since April 15, 2014. Most recently, Ulsan thumped Melbourne Victory 3-0 in the 2020 AFC Champions League round of 16. That history, combined with home-field advantage, gives Ulsan fans plenty of reason for optimism heading into the Melbourne City showdown.
But the schedule is relentless. After the Melbourne City match, Ulsan will immediately fly to China for a crucial away fixture against Shanghai Haigang at the Shanghai Pudong Arena on February 18. Then, it’s back to Korea for the K League 1 home opener against Gangwon FC on February 28. The club’s early-season rhythm could hinge on how well they navigate this demanding stretch. "We can’t afford to overlook any game, especially with the K League 1 opener coming up. Every match is vital for building momentum and fitness," a club spokesperson emphasized.
Kim Hyun-seok’s official debut is more than just a tactical litmus test—it’s a statement of intent for a club desperate to reclaim its former glory. The blend of veteran leadership, returning loanees, and new signings offers a tantalizing glimpse of Ulsan’s direction under its new boss. Fans will be watching closely to see if Kim’s attacking philosophy and focus on team unity can translate into results on the pitch.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the sense of anticipation is unmistakable. Will Ulsan’s veterans rise to the occasion? Can the attack rediscover its bite? And will Kim Hyun-seok’s debut mark the start of a new era for the club? One thing’s for certain: the action is just getting started, and Ulsan’s season hangs in the balance as they take on Melbourne City in this high-stakes Champions League clash.