Ulsan HD's draw with Gwangju sets up first-ever East Coast Derby Korea Cup Final

Ulsan HD successfully advanced from the Korea Cup semifinals after a home draw with Gwangju FC, to set up first-ever East Coast Derby cup final.
Image via Ulsan HD press release

Goals from Lim Jong-eun and Matheus helped Ulsan to a 2-2 draw with Gwangju in the second leg of their 2024 Hana Bank Korea Cup semifinal at Munsu Football Stadium, which kicked off at 7pm on the 28th.

With this result, Ulsan advanced to the final with a 3-2 aggregate score over the two legs. This marks their first appearance in the final in four years, since finishing as runners-up in 2020. On the other side of the bracket, Pohang Steelers defeated Jeju United, setting up the first-ever East Coast Derby between Ulsan and Pohang in the Korea Cup final.

Kim Pan-gon’s Ulsan lined up a 4-2-1-3 formation. Kim Min-woo, Joo Min-kyu, and Um Won-sang were positioned up front, supported by Ko Seung-beom directly behind them. Jung Woo-young and Matheus controlled the midfield, while Lee Myung-jae, Kim Young-gwon, Lim Jong-eun, and Yun Il-lok formed the back four. Jo Hyeon-woo guarded the goal.

Lee Jung-hyo's Gwangju responded with a 4-4-2 formation. Beka Mikeltadze and Shin Chang-moo led the attack as the two forwards, with Moon Min-seo, Lee Kang-hyun, Park Tae-jun, and Kim Han-gil lined up in midfield. Lee Eu-ddeum, Ahn Young-gyu, Kim Gyeong-jae, and Cho Sung-gwon took charge of the defense, while Kim Kyeong-min guarded the goal.

In the early stages of the first half, both teams fiercely contested for control of the match. As time went on, Ulsan began to take control. In the 12th minute, Um Won-sang used his speed to penetrate deep into Gwangju's penalty box and delivered a cross, earning a corner kick. In the 13th minute, Lim Jong-eun connected with Lee Myung-jae's corner kick, heading in from in front of the goal for his first goal of the season.

Gwangju launched continuous counterattacks but couldn't break through Ulsan's tight defense. Ulsan then regained control of the attack. In the 32nd minute, Kim Min-woo attempted a cross, and Joo Min-kyu's left-footed curling shot from inside the penalty box narrowly missed the goal. In the 33rd minute, Yun Il-lok received Um Won-sang’s pass and sent a right-footed shot from the arc over the bar. In the 38th minute, Yoon Il-lok made a crucial tackle inside his own box to cut out a pass intended for Moon Min-seo. The first half ended with Ulsan leading after an intense battle.

From the start of the second half, Gwangju showed their intent to get back into the match. Substitute Oh Hu-seong shook the net with a powerful right-footed long-range shot from the corner of Ulsan's arc in the 47th minute.

Ulsan remained unfazed. In the 54th minute, Kim Min-woo delivered a cross, which Joo Min-kyu redirected in front of Gwangju’s goal. Matheus then chipped the ball over goalkeeper Kim Kyeong-min to score. Matheus celebrated by bowing deeply in front of the supporters.

Ulsan gained momentum. In the 59th minute, Um Won-sang made a deep run into Gwangju’s box along the goal line and sent in a cross, but it was intercepted by goalkeeper Kim Kyeong-min. In the ensuing attack, Um Won-sang's powerful shot was blocked by a defender. In the 61st minute, Ulsan brought on Lee Chung-yong, Ataru, and Jang Si-young in place of Ko Seung-beom, Um Won-sang, and Yun Il-lok.

In the 62nd minute, Gwangju brought on Gabriel and Yeo Bong-hun, with Lee Euddeum and Lee Kang-hyun making way.

Ulsan created another promising opportunity in the 64th minute. During a counterattack, Joo Min-kyu made a cross-field pass to Lee Chung-yong but his chip shot from inside the penalty box grazed goalkeeper Kim Kyeong-min's hand and struck the goalpost. Following the corner kick, Kim Kyeong-min came off his line to punch the ball away. Jung Woo-young made an attempt to divert the ball with the inside of his foot, but it was deflected by Kim Kyeong-min's fingertips.

Then Gwangju's offensive surge began. In the 69th minute, Gabriel penetrated Ulsan's penalty box and fired a shot that struck the goalpost. In the 70th minute, Gwangju substituted Shin Chang-moo for Jeong Ji-yong.

In the 73rd minute, Ulsan substituted Kim Young-gwon for Kim Kee-hee. After successfully fending off several of Gwangju's attacks, Ulsan looked for an additional goal. In the 80th minute, Jang Si-young led a counterattack before passing the ball. Kim Min-woo attempted a left-footed shot inside Gwangju's box, but it was blocked by a defender. Kim Min-woo then collapsed in pain and was carried off on a stretcher. In the 82nd minute, Won Du-jae entered the field as he replaced Kim Min-woo.

Gwangju, who had been waiting for their chance, scored the equalizer in the 89th minute. Oh Hu-seong infiltrated Ulsan’s penalty area and scored a solo effort with a right-footed shot.

In stoppage time of the second half, Gwangju had a chance to take the lead but Gabriel's decisive header was saved by Jo Hyeon-woo. Gwangju launched a fierce attack to try to force extra time, but Ulsan held firm. Ulsan's strong defense earned them a draw and secured their place in the final.

The final will take place over one leg at Seoul World Cup Stadium on November 30th with a 2 PM kick-off.