The AFC Champions League quarterfinals matchup between Ulsan HD and Yokohama Mariners will undoubtedly be an exciting one. Ulsan HD, the two-time AFC Champions League champions of the city, will welcome Yokohama Mariners, a team that has made it to the quarterfinals for the first time.
In the first round of the tournament, Ulsan HD will be attacking hard on their own field with the intention of starting the game first. I noticed that the lock pair of Seol Young-woo and Lee Myung-jae, who were both instrumental in the Final 8 match against Jeonbuk Motors, will be a key part of the team's attacking end. Expect them to be given clear instructions by their coach in this duel to assist upfield and pass the ball accurately to their higher teammates in the box.
Lee Dong-Kyung, a central figure, has been in the thick of the action in Korea recently. I strongly believe that he can deliver precise passes at key moments on the offensive end, which is likely to be Ulsan's main attacking tool. The speed of Anhwon on the right will also pose a great threat to the opposing defense.
Yokohama Mariners will be under great pressure from Ulsan HD's offense. The midfield pairing of Hirota Watanabe and Takuya Kida will be crucial in disrupting the opposition's attack and strengthening the team's defense.
The Brazilian triangle of Jose Elba, Nemafios and leading scorer Andersen Rubes form an offensive line that poses a great threat to Ulsan HD's defense. If Ulsan HD's defense fails to get back in time, Jose Elba and En Mafios will launch counterattacks with their speed advantage. Andersen Lubis, one of the top scorers in this year's Asian Champions League, has scored goals in both the top 16 and top 8 matches.
This matchup will be full of suspense, with a record number of goals expected. Although the Yokohama Mariners have no shortage of good attackers, in my opinion, the hosts Ulsan HD are more likely to have the last laugh and claim their first win, as they have a lot to look forward to on the offensive end of the field today.
