Jeonbuk Motos vs Ulsan Hyundai

Jeonju World Cup Stadium forms the backdrop for a South Korean classic as nine-time K League 1 champions Jeonbuk Motors take on reigning holders Ulsan Hyundai.

Jeonbuk’s glory days are well behind this team, with Kim Do-heon’s side entering this round second from bottom, courtesy of a superior goal difference to Daejeon. Those two teams have won a league joint-low four matches apiece this season. If it’s any consolation for the Jeonbuk fans, one of their four league victories came in their last home league outing, with the Warriors beating Jeju United 2-1 after a dramatic turnaround to halt an embarrassing six-game winless run on home turf (D4, L2). Despite Jeonbuk’s abysmal form, Jeonju World Cup Stadium has been a venue of entertainment in 2024, as seven of their nine home matches have produced over 2.5 goals and ‘both teams to score.’

Meanwhile, visiting Ulsan Hyundai brought their stuttering title defense back on its feet with a narrow 1-0 home win against Seoul last time out, ending a dismal three-game winless league run (D1, L2). Despite trailing table-topping Gincheon Sangmu by a single point at the start of this round, the Tigers would be well-advised to avoid complacency. They’ve not only blown hot and cold across their 11 K League 1 travels this season (W4, D3, L4), but they’re also winless in five of their last six (D2, L3). Ulsan’s recent track record on Jeonbuk’s home ground can’t inspire much confidence either, with Lee Kyung-soo’s charges going winless on their last three top-flight visits to this stadium (D2, L1).