Ulsan Hyundai secured their first home win of the 2025 K League 1 season on March 1, defeating Daegu FC 1-0 at the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium. This match marked the beginning of the highly anticipated rivalry known as the "Hyundai Derby," and Ulsan's victory serves as early validation of their ambitions for the season.
During the match, Ulsan's forward, Bojanic, scored the only goal, making headlines with his impressive performance. After the game, he expressed his satisfaction and the team's determination to continue building on their positive momentum. "This win is huge for us, especially after our opening loss. We knew we had to show up today, and we did just what we needed to do," Bojanic said, reflecting on the significance of the victory.
Head coach Kim Pan-gon was equally pleased, stating, "Our strategy was to apply pressure from the beginning, and I believe we executed it well today. The players showed great resilience and teamwork. We aim to keep this intensity going." His remarks highlighted the importance he places on maintaining high standards throughout the season.
Daegu FC, on the other hand, was unable to find their stride during the match. Despite entering the game with two back-to-back wins, they found Ulsan's defense difficult to penetrate. Coach Park Chang-hyun commented on his team's struggles, stating, "We faced tough opposition today. Ulsan played well, and we need to regroup and learn from this." His words reflected the shifting dynamics within the league as teams adjust to their standings early on.
The match witnessed Ulsan's dominating strategies as they executed swift offensive plays and pressured Daegu consistently throughout the first half. To add to the excitement, the game was witnessed by over 26,000 fans, making the atmosphere electric and full of support for the home team. After the disappointing start to their season, having lost their opening match against FC Anyang, Ulsan was eager to stake their claim.
Ulsan had come off a positive performance against Daejeon Hana Citizen the previous week where they won 2-0, which served as encouragement heading to the derby. Now with two wins under their belt, including the recent success against Daegu, their confidence is visibly rising. For Daegu, this match marks the end of their winning streak and sets forth the challenge of recovering swiftly as they prepare for future matches.
Despite the loss, Daegu's coach remains optimistic about their potential moving forward. Coach Park remarked, “We're still going to learn and adapt. We've put together strong performances already, and we're sure to find our rhythm again soon."
This contest emphasized the closely contested nature of the K League, where even teams considered underdogs could bounce back unexpectedly. Ulsan's victory, coupled with Daegu's resilience, sets the stage for thrilling encounters as the season progresses.
Overall, the match between Ulsan Hyundai and Daegu FC not only showcased the skill and dedication of the teams but also highlighted the vibrant nature of the K League 1, making it clear this season promises to be competitive and entertaining. With fans excited for what lies ahead, both teams will need to adapt quickly to the league's pacing and pressures, ensuring every point counts toward their respective goals.