Ulsan HD was routed by Daejeon Hana Citizen.
Ulsan HD suffered a 1-4 defeat to Daejeon Hana Citizen in the 2026 Hana Bank K League 1 round 10 match held on the 26th at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium.
Ulsan, sitting second in K League 1, was in a position where it needed to diligently collect 3 points to narrow the gap with FC Seoul, which had pulled far ahead with 25 points. However, after being undone by Daejeon, they failed to close the gap, remaining at 17 points (5 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses).
Meanwhile, Daejeon rose to seventh place in the league with 12 points (3 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses).
Ulsan tried to seize control from the start. In the third minute of the first half, Huh Yul headed after Lee Dong-gyeong's free kick, but it went wide of the goal. Before the match, Ulsan emphasized efficient movement, while Daejeon emphasized high pressing up front.
Contrary to expectations, the momentum tilted toward Daejeon. The midfield and attackers moved organically to open up the game. In the 12th minute of the first half, Jeong Jae-hee stole the ball and attempted a dangerous cross, and in the following scenes he continued to put pressure on Ulsan.
Eventually the balance was broken. In the 17th minute of the first half, Daejeon's counterattack was completed. Rubickson, receiving Masa's through pass, calmly finished when facing the goalkeeper. The goal came against his former club, and there was no celebration.
Ulsan responded as well. Huh Yul's shot and Lee Dong-gyeong's midrange attempt followed, but they were stopped by Lee Chang-geun's saves. The number of shots was similar, but Daejeon was more efficient.
At the end of the first half, the outcome was effectively decided. In the 42nd minute of the first half, Jeong Jae-hee scored an additional goal, and in stoppage time Diogo added the third goal. The first half ended with Daejeon leading 3-0.
Ulsan made changes at the start of the second half. They switched flanks and increased attacking numbers. In the early stages of the second half a few threatening scenes also emerged. But finishing was still lacking.
Instead, Daejeon struck again. In the eighth minute of the second half, Masa completed the fourth goal with a left-footed shot. It was the moment Ulsan's defensive organization completely collapsed.
After that Ulsan tried to change things through substitutions but could not turn the tide. They pulled one goal back late in the second half, but the gap was already large. a goal in stoppage time was canceled after a handball decision.
The match ended in Ulsan's 1-4 defeat.
[OSEN]