Kim Shin-wook scored the only goal of a demanding game as Jeonbuk collected all three points to guarantee themselves top spot in Group G with one round of matches remaining in the group phase.

And the fact the K League leaders were able to come out of the game unscathed encouraged the Portuguese coach, despite seeing his side miss a number of chances to put the result beyond doubt.

The result leaves Beijing needing to win against Urawa Red Diamonds on Matchday Six to be certain of joining the club from Korea Republic in the next round of the competition.

Jeonbuk will face the runners-up in Group H – either Shanghai SIPG or Kawasaki Frontale – in the next phase of the competition as they progress to the knockout rounds for the 11th time in 12 appearances in the AFC Champions League.

The two-time champions moved on to seven points from their first five games and will take on Beijing FC at the Saitama Stadium 2002 in two weeks’ time, needing a win to advance to the last 16 after goals from Shinzo Koroki and Yuki Muto earned Urawa the points at the Buriram Stadium.

Ahead of their maiden AFC Champions League campaign, JDT's players had spoken about the big test and challenge awaiting the team when they stepped up to the tournament's elite club level.

Now, four matches in, the side from Johor Baru can be proud of their performance so far.

While results haven't gone their way - three defeats and a draw - Malaysia's champions only lost by a single goal margin against some of Asia's more seasoned sides.

The three points earned from Ulsan’s third win of the group phase mean Kim Do-hoon’s side cannot finish outside the top two places and they will advance to the Round of 16, while Sydney FC crash out.

Diskerud’s goal came 14 minutes into an even second half when the United States international’s quick thinking allowed him to score after the ball had been deflected into his path in the penalty area, and his improvised finish gave Andrew Redmayne no chance in the Sydney goal.

Hulk struck either side of half-time to deny the Japanese the win with Leandro Damiao and Shogo Taniguchi scoring for Kawasaki, who remained stuck in third place in Group H behind leaders Ulsan Hyundai and Shanghai.

After joining the Korea Republic side in February, Englishman Mutch made his AFC Champions League debut in the reverse fixture in a game that saw Italian striker Pelle, who now has six goals to his name, net twice in a 2-2 draw.

Gyeongnam then picked up one point from their next two games, with Mutch scoring in defeat to defending champions Kashima Antlers on Matchday Three, before he set up Takahiro Kunimoto’s goal as the K League team claimed a famous 1-0 victory over the holders two weeks ago.