ACL MD3: Ulsan Hyundai 1-1 Guizhou Renhe

Brazilian Rafinha (Rafael dos Santos de Oliveira), who scored five goals in as many games including in the final as Ulsan won the 2012 AFC Champions League title, had coolly converted a penalty just before the hour mark as Ulsan looked to maintain their 100% record in Group H this season.

But with Yang’s header earning Guizhou a first point of the campaign, Ulsan now sit just a point clear of Western Sydney Wanderers at the top of the table after the A-League side earlier edged out Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale by a single goal.

Looking to maintain their formidable record in the competition, Ulsan made the better start to the contest, although Guizhou also signalled their intentions as Yu Hai saw a shot from a promising position just outside the penalty area deflected off target after 26 minutes.

The home side were almost handed the breakthrough 10 minutes later when a mistake from Guizhou captain Sun Jihai created an opening for Kim Shin-wook, but the striker could only fire a well-struck shot straight at goalkeeper Zhang Lie.

But it was Guizhou who finished the first half on top as Chen Zijie then fired just over for Guizhou just before half-time.

Ulsan, though, resumed their control at the start of the second half as Kim’s near post header was gathered by Zhang just two minutes after the restart.

But Zhang was beaten 11 minutes later as second-half substitute Rafinha sent the Guizhou goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot after the Brazilian had been pulled back by Sun just inside the edge of the penalty area.

Zhang was then called into action to deny Kim twice in quick succession before the Ulsan striker was again frustrated as his powerful shot from the edge of the area was parried away by the Guizhou custodian with 11 minutes remaining.

And Kim’s missed chances came back to haunt Ulsan with three minutes remaining, as Sun made up for his earlier error by crossing for Yang to send a downward header past goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.

Photo: AFP