Ulsan HD is aiming to turn the atmosphere around by inviting Daegu FC into the tiger's den.
Ulsan will face bottom-ranked Daegu in the rescheduled 21st round of the Hana Bank K League 1 2025 at Munsu Football Stadium on the 12th.
Last month, Ulsan, representing the K League, participated in the FIFA Club World Cup and, after returning to Korea, played in the Korea Cup quarterfinals against Gwangju FC on July 2, but unfortunately lost 0-1, failing to reach the semifinals. Now, the goal is to regain the dignity of the defending champion, who has kept the throne for three consecutive seasons, by focusing on the K League 1.
Currently, Ulsan has played 19 league matches, with 8 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses, totaling 29 points in 7th place. Having played two matches less than other teams, achieving the best results in this match against Daegu and the upcoming 20th round match against Suwon FC (June 22 at 7 p.m. → August 2 at 7 p.m. at Munsu Football Stadium) can make a rise into the top ranks possible.
This is a home game held for the first time in 50 days at the tiger's den. After Ulsan's victory of 3-2 against Gimcheon Sangmu at home on May 25, they played all their league and Korea Cup matches away (a total of 3 matches), during which they participated in the Club World Cup.
There are concerns about fatigue and injuries due to the Club World Cup. Furthermore, currently, key players such as goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo, main defender Seo Myeong-gwan, and fullback Jo Hyeon-taek have been called up for the 2025 EAFF E-1 Championship, which is underway in Yongin. However, goalkeeper Moon Jeong-in, who effectively filled the gap left by Jo Hyeon-woo's injury early in the season (with 4 matches in K League 1, 3 goals conceded, and 2 clean sheets) is on standby, and other resources are also fully prepared to fill the void left by the Taeguk warriors. They plan to adeptly handle the ongoing challenges.
Ulsan is strong against Daegu. In their first away match against Daegu this season on April 13, Kang Sang-woo converted Lee Chung-yong's assist into the winning goal, securing a 1-0 victory. Last season, Ulsan won all three encounters and has recently achieved five consecutive wins, boasting an unbeaten streak of 12 matches (10 wins, 2 draws) since a 2-0 victory on December 5, 2021. They have an overwhelming advantage in the historical record, with 36 wins, 15 draws, and 8 losses. Ulsan is determined to ring the victory bell at home, filled with the blue waves and cheers.
Meanwhile, Ulsan launched a 'newtro uniform' based on the 1996 season jersey on the 7th. They showcased a retro design using the purple and navy stripes that announced the brave tiger's steps, featuring the first star on the chest from the 1996 season. On this day, the players will wear the uniform and embark on a quest for 3 points.
[Photo] Provided by Ulsan.
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