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Ulsan Hyundai welcome Kawasaki Frontale to Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium for their opening game of the AFC Champions League Elite on Wednesday. The hosts are coming into the game on the back of a routine 2-0 victory over Gangwon at the same venue in the K League 1 over the weekend.
Yun-Gu Kang and Ataru Esaka scored in either half to help their side claim all three points.
Frontale, meanwhile, saw off Sagan Tosu with a hard-fought 3-2 home win in the J1 League. They went into the break in the lead courtesy of Kento Tachibanada's 11th-minute strike. Tojiro Kubo drew the game level six minutes into the second half while Akihiro Ienaga restored the hosts' lead just past the hour mark. Hiroshi Kitoyake equalized from the spot in injury time but there was still enough time for Shin Yamada to score the match-winner.
The Blue-Black will turn their focus to the continent and booked their spot in the tournament as Emperor's Cup winners. Ulsan qualified as K League 1 champions.
Ulsan vs Kawasaki Frontale Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the 12th meeting between the two sides. Ulsan have five wins to their name, and Kawasaki Frontale were victorious twice while four games were drawn.
- Their most recent clash came in December 2023 when they shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw in the AFC Champions League.
- Ulsan are unbeaten in their last five games across competitions (four wins).
- Five of Frontale's last eight competitive games have produced three goals or more.
- Six of Ulsan's last eight games have been decided by a one-goal margin.
- Four of the last six head-to-head games have witnessed goals at both ends.
Ulsan vs Kawasaki Frontale Prediction
Ulsan are two-time Asian champions and are seeking a first continental title since 2020. They are coming into the game in high spirits and on a good run of form.
Frontale, for their part, have never been continental champions and have tended to struggle in this fixture. They enter this game as underdogs but have not lost any of the last two head-to-head games (one win).
We are backing the hosts to claim a narrow victory with goals at both ends.
Prediction: Ulsan 2-1 Kawasaki Frontale
Ulsan vs Kawasaki Frontale Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Ulsan to win
Tip 2 - Both teams to score
Tip 3 - Over 2.5 goals
