South Korean club Ulsan Hyundai all but ended Brisbane's Asian Champions League campaign when they beat the Roar 2-1 in an entertaining match on Tuesday. Ulsan moved to eight points at the top of Group F with the win, while Brisbane are languishing at the bottom of the group on two points after two draws and two losses. Ulsan captain Kwak Tae-Hwi scored a penalty with 18 minutes remaining to give the Korean club the edge after the teams had gone into the break locked at one goal apiece.
The visitors had opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Colombian Juan Upegui dispossessed Mitch Nichols and fired home from just outside the box. The Roar dominated possession for much of the first half and equalised after 24 minutes through defender Shane Stefanutto, whose volleyed shot took a deflection off Kwak and crashed into the side netting.
Both teams played some superb attacking football throughout and both had chances in the second period in a very even contest. But the Korean team held on to deny the hosts their first ever win in Asia. Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglou conceded his team had to improve to compete at the top level. "We made two mistakes and were punished," he said.
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