AFC Champions League Elite - Preview: Ulsan HD FC v Chengdu Rongcheng FC (CHN)

Ulsan: Former champions Ulsan HD will be determined to put their woes behind them by kicking off their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 campaign with a win against Chengdu Rongcheng FC on Wednesday.

Ulsan's grip on the K League 1 title has been drastically loosened and newly-appointed head coach Shin Tae-yong will expect his players to roar on the continental stage to redeem themselves.

Despite winning a third consecutive K League 1 title last season, there is no disputing that Ulsan were a pale shadow of themselves on the continental stage.

That led to the departure Kim Pan-gon, who had been in the job for only several months after replacing Hong Myung-bo, who took charge of the Korea Republic national team.

While Kim did lead Ulsan to the domestic title, their poor season saw Shin taking charge in August and the former Indonesia and Korea Republic tactician has much to do if his side are to regain their lustre.

Chengdu Rongcheng will be relishing the encounter, with the side from China PR set to make their continental bow on Wednesday.

Formed only in 2018, Chengdu Roncheng have made a meteoric rise and victory against a side who have twice been at the pinnacle of Asian football will be a tremendous boost of confidence for them.

Ulsan HD FC v Chengdu Rongcheng FC (CHN)
Venue: Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium (Ulsan)
Kick-off: Wednesday, 19:00 (UTC+9)

Preview: Ulsan HD FC v Chengdu Rongcheng FC (CHN)

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