In a decisive clash at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, Ulsan Hyundai FC secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Gwangju FC on May 2, 2025, in the 11th round of the Hana Bank K League 1. This win not only boosted Ulsan's standings but also marked a significant turnaround after their previous defeat against Kimcheon Sangmu.
Ulsan, who had been reeling from a 2-0 loss to Kimcheon in the last round, came into this match determined to reclaim their momentum. With this victory, Ulsan climbed to third place in the league, now holding 20 points from 6 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses. They are just three points behind the league leaders, Daejeon Hana Citizen, who have played five more games.
Gwangju FC, on the other hand, is facing a challenging period. Following a shocking 0-7 defeat to Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League quarter-finals just a week prior, the team struggled to find its footing. With this latest loss, Gwangju now sits in fifth place with 16 points, having recorded 4 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses.
The match began with both teams eager to secure an early advantage. However, it was Ulsan's Lee Chung-yong who broke the deadlock in the 17th minute. After receiving a cross from Kang Sang-woo, Lee executed a clever shot that deflected into the net, giving Ulsan a crucial early lead.
Despite Gwangju's attempts to respond, their performance was hindered by a lack of composure in front of goal. The visitors managed only 38% possession and were outshot 7 to 13, indicating Ulsan's dominance throughout the match. Gwangju goalkeeper Kim Kyung-min, who had been a standout performer in the previous match despite conceding seven goals, continued to show resilience, making several critical saves to keep his team in the game.
As the second half progressed, Gwangju had a golden opportunity to equalize. In the 63rd minute, Oh Hae-seong broke through the Ulsan defense and found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Unfortunately, he hesitated and failed to pull the trigger, allowing Ulsan to regroup and avert the danger.
Ulsan capitalized on Gwangju's missed chances, extending their lead in the 76th minute. Substitute Lacava made an immediate impact upon entering the pitch, scoring just moments after his arrival. Following a shot from Erik that was parried by Kim Kyung-min, Lacava calmly slotted the rebound into the net, marking his first league goal.
In the dying moments of the match, Erik and Lacava combined once more to seal Ulsan's victory. Lacava intercepted a pass in the midfield and initiated a swift counterattack, providing Erik with a perfectly timed assist. Erik finished with a deft lob over the goalkeeper, bringing the final score to 3-0.
Ulsan's impressive display showcased their attacking prowess and solidified their position as serious contenders in the league. Coach Hong Myung-bo expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, “We needed this win to regain our confidence. The players executed our game plan well and showed great determination.”
Meanwhile, the challenges continue for Gwangju FC. Coach Lee Jung-hyo had made the tough decision to rest key players Heis and Asani for this match, a move that ultimately did not pay off. Reflecting on the game, he remarked, “We are still recovering from the heavy defeat in the Champions League. It’s a tough phase for us, but we need to regroup and focus on our next matches.”
In other K League action, Kimcheon Sangmu also celebrated a victory, defeating Pohang Steelers 2-1. Kimcheon’s Park Sang-hyeok was the star of the match, scoring two goals, including a dramatic late winner that secured all three points for his team. This victory propelled Kimcheon to second place in the league standings with 20 points, just behind Ulsan.
Pohang, who had hoped to build on their recent win against FC Seoul, now finds themselves in seventh place with 15 points after two consecutive losses. The team will need to find their rhythm quickly if they hope to remain competitive in the league.
As the K League season progresses, the intensity of the competition is heating up. With teams jostling for position and the stakes rising, fans can expect thrilling matches in the weeks to come. Both Ulsan and Kimcheon will look to maintain their momentum, while Gwangju will aim to bounce back from their recent struggles.
The next round of matches promises to deliver more excitement as teams continue to battle for supremacy in one of Asia's premier football leagues.
