Ulsan Hyundai Steer Through

In an enthralling AFC Champions League semi-final held in Qatar; it was Korean side Ulsan Hyundai who powered their way to the final after 120 minutes of sweat-dripping; fascinating action. This was almost the reverse of the Round-of-16 clash between Suwon Bluewings & Yokohama Marinos; in that it was the favourites Ulsan who dominated but were unable to grab the lead in the first half.

Lo & behold; it was Vissel Kobe who went ahead after a well-worked corner was stroked home superbly by Hotaru Yamaguchi in the 52nd minute. They looked to have sealed their passage into the final with a second goal late in the game; but after some rather euphoric celebrations; they were quickly brought down to earth after the VAR correctly ruled it out for an earlier infringement.

Suddenly Ulsan had a lifeline; and by lord they managed to take it. After some good manoeuvring on the left; it was the impressive Yoon Bit-Garam who steered a shot towards goal; taking a deflection off the towering Bjorn Johnsen to end up in the net. After bring ruled out for offside; the VAR then over-ruled to give the correct decision.

There were further chances at both ends; notably from Kobe striker Douglas; who inexplicably passed up a glorious one-on-one chance to Kyogo Furuhashi that ended up going haywire. There were also two glorious Gordon Banks-like saves from either goalkeeper and a few earth-shattering saving tackles from the defenders.

In the end; it was Kobe 'keeper Daiya Maekawa; who had had such a glorious game; who made a dreadful mistake; fumbling the ball off to Ulsan striker Junior Negrao; whose persistence paid off as he was barged to the ground to earn a last-gasp penalty for the Korean side. With tension at breaking point; the Brazilian slotted home the penalty to send his team into fairyland.