K League Round 25: Can Ulsan Hyundai Complete the Away Game Cycle? Jeonbuk Hyundai’s Top Scorer Relieved of Pressure

The K League's 25th round continues on the evening of July 26th, with Ulsan Hyundai looking to break their winless streak on the road. They face Jeju United, the last team they defeated away from home. Will this match close the loop for the reigning champions? Meanwhile, Jeonbuk Hyundai's top scorer, Orsini Orobó, has already netted three goals in July, reclaiming his confidence as last season's K League top scorer.

Jeju United vs. Ulsan Hyundai – Away Form Halts Champions' Progress

Jeju United's last outing was a disastrous 0-4 defeat to Gangwon FC. The game started poorly for Jeju when veteran South Korean international Koo Ja-cheol was forced off with an injury in the 12th minute. This early setback disrupted Jeju's rhythm, and they conceded an own goal just two minutes later, giving Gangwon the lead. By the 30th minute, Jeju was already trailing by three goals. Gangwon, content with their lead, slowed the tempo, sparing Jeju further humiliation.

After some adjustments at halftime, Jeju managed to stabilize, matching Gangwon's play in the second half. However, the damage was done, and they left the pitch with a heavy defeat. Jeju now sits just four points outside the Championship Round places, but their shaky defense suggests they might end up in the Relegation Round.

Ulsan Hyundai, the defending champions, also struggled recently, losing 0-2 to Jeonbuk Hyundai. This marked their third consecutive away game without a win, putting them two points behind league leaders Pohang Steelers. Gangwon and Suwon are only one point behind, marking Ulsan's most significant crisis in three years.

Despite Jeonbuk’s struggles this season, aiming only to avoid relegation, they managed to outplay Ulsan in their direct encounter. Ulsan's attacks, orchestrated primarily by playmaker Yosuke Kashiwagi, frequently broke through Jeonbuk's defense, but the finishing was lacking. In the 78th minute, Jeonbuk finally broke the deadlock with a header from Brazilian striker Orsini Orobó. Ulsan’s striker Cho Min-kyu had a golden opportunity six minutes later, but failed to convert, leading to a second Jeonbuk goal in stoppage time and a bitter defeat for Ulsan.

Ulsan’s recent poor away form contrasts sharply with their last away victory against Jeju United in June, where Cho Min-kyu scored twice to secure a comeback win. In this match, Cho Min-kyu is again expected to find his scoring touch to aid Ulsan, while Jeju will struggle to respond.

Gangwon FC vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai – How Much Pressure Has Orobó Shed?

Gangwon FC has been in superb form this season, becoming the K League’s top-scoring team after their four-goal thrashing of Jeju United. The primary driver of Gangwon’s attacking prowess has been their foreign striker Carrillo, who sits fourth in the top scorers' list with nine goals. However, his loan deal expired at the end of June, forcing him to return to his parent club, Portimonense of Portugal. Unexpectedly, he transferred to Gangwon’s title rivals, Ulsan Hyundai, on July 9th. Despite this, Gangwon’s attack hasn’t faltered, equaling their season-high for goals in a match with four against Jeju, and recording their highest single-game goal difference.

Jeonbuk Hyundai has shown signs of recovery, winning two of their last three games. Nevertheless, they remain third from the bottom, just three points above last-place Daejeon Citizen. Their recent performance against Ulsan Hyundai was reminiscent of their title-contending days, demonstrating a strong will to win. Orsini Orobó, last season’s K League top scorer, has found the net three times in July, reclaiming the title of Jeonbuk’s top scorer. If he maintains this form, Jeonbuk can avoid relegation worries.

Gangwon has completed a double over Jeonbuk this season, but with Jeonbuk’s recent upswing and Gangwon's occasional lack of consistency, this match is set to be a tightly contested affair.

Ulsan’s Away Form and Key Players

Ulsan Hyundai’s away struggles have been a significant issue. The champions have failed to win in their last three away matches, their last victory coming against Jeju United in June. That win was secured by two goals from Cho Min-kyu, who has since struggled to replicate that form. Ulsan’s tactical approach heavily relies on Kashiwagi’s creative passing and the attacking trio’s finishing abilities. However, recent matches have shown a vulnerability in Ulsan’s defense, particularly against teams with strong aerial threats like Jeonbuk.

Cho Min-kyu's form will be crucial in this fixture. His ability to capitalize on Kashiwagi’s through balls and crosses will determine Ulsan’s offensive success. Additionally, Ulsan’s defensive line, led by center-back Kim Young-gwon, must tighten up to avoid the lapses seen in recent games.

Jeju’s Defensive Woes and Attacking Options

Jeju United’s defensive stability has been their Achilles' heel this season. Conceding early and often, as seen in the match against Gangwon, has left them chasing games. Koo Ja-cheol's injury has further compounded their issues, stripping them of a key leader. Jeju’s attacking options, while potent, often fail to compensate for their defensive lapses. Brazilian forward Joo Min-kyu and Korean striker Kim Hyun-woo must step up to provide the necessary goals.

Jeju’s defensive strategy must focus on minimizing individual errors and improving communication among defenders. Their midfield, led by captain Lee Chang-min, must provide better cover and support to the backline to prevent opponents from exploiting gaps.

Gangwon’s Offensive Depth and Defensive Strategy

Gangwon FC’s offensive capabilities have been their standout feature this season. Despite losing Carrillo, the team has continued to score freely, highlighting their depth in attack. Players like midfielder Lee Geon-ho and forward Kim Ji-hyun have stepped up, ensuring that Gangwon remains a potent force upfront.

Defensively, Gangwon must focus on containing Orsini Orobó, who has regained his scoring form for Jeonbuk. Their defensive line, marshaled by center-back Kim Young-bin, must remain disciplined and cohesive to thwart Jeonbuk’s attacks.

Jeonbuk’s Resurgence and Key Players

Jeonbuk Hyundai’s resurgence is a positive sign for a team that has underperformed this season. Orobó’s return to form has been pivotal, and his role as the primary goal threat cannot be understated. Jeonbuk’s midfield, led by veteran Lee Seung-gi, has also shown improvement, providing better service to the forwards.

Jeonbuk’s defensive solidity, anchored by center-back Hong Jeong-ho, will be crucial against Gangwon’s high-scoring attack. Maintaining defensive discipline and capitalizing on counter-attacks will be key to Jeonbuk’s strategy.

Predictions and Key Matchups

The Ulsan Hyundai vs. Jeju United match hinges on Ulsan’s ability to rediscover their away form. With Cho Min-kyu expected to lead the line, Ulsan has a good chance to secure a much-needed win. However, Jeju’s home advantage and the potential return of Koo Ja-cheol could make this a close contest.

In the Gangwon FC vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai clash, the key matchup will be between Gangwon’s attackers and Jeonbuk’s defenders. Orobó’s form will be crucial, but Gangwon’s offensive depth gives them the edge. Expect a tightly fought game with both teams aiming to exploit each other's weaknesses.

As the K League season progresses, the performances in these crucial fixtures will significantly impact the standings and shape the playoff and relegation battles.