Ulsan edge Persepolis to claim Asian crown

December 19, 2020 Village Reporter

Ulsan come from behind to prevail over Persepolis 2-1
K-League side win the Asian Champions League for second time in their history
Ulsan to represent Asia at FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020™

Korea Republic’s Ulsan Hyundai won the 2020 AFC Champions League on Saturday, overcoming an early setback to defeat Iranian side Persepolis 2-1. Brazilian Junior Negrao scored both of his team’s goals, helping Ulsan to secure the Asian title for the second time in their history, after they previously emerged victorious in 2012.

With this victory, Ulsan made amends for some of the domestic mishaps they have suffered over the past couple of seasons, having finished as runners-up in the last two Korean title races and in this year’s Korean Cup final. Today’s continental achievement more than makes up for it.

Consequently, Ulsan will represent Asia in the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020™, which will be held in Qatar from 1 to 11 February 2021. The South Koreans could potentially face off against footballing giants such as European champions Bayern Munich and Egypt’s Al Ahly.

AFC Champions League Final

Persepolis 1-2 Ulsan, Al Janoub Stadium, Qatar

Goals:

Mehdi Abdi (45’) for Persepolis

Junior Negrao (45’+4) (55’, pen) for Ulsan

The game

The Iranians started the match strongly, and almost opened the scoring when Milad Sarlak sent in a cross that just evaded Mehdi Abdi, depriving Persepolis of a valuable opportunity. Ulsan responded well, Yoon Bitgaram striking the left-hand post with a powerful shot at the conclusion of a brilliant attack.

Persepolis managed to open the scoring when Abdi drove forward and fired home from just inside the box (45’). Just before half-time, Ulsan won a penalty: Negrao’s initial effort was saved, but the composed No9 stroked home the rebound to level the score.

The South Korean side began the second half as they had ended the first, earning another penalty after a handball in the area. This time, Negrao made no mistake at the first attempt (55’). The Iranians pushed hard to get back in the game and squandered several viable opportunities, but Ulsan’s defence held firm, and the game ended 2-1.

Ulsan pose for a photo before the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Ulsan Hyundai’s players pose for photo before the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)

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Persepolis huddle ahead of the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Persepolis players huddle ahead of the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)

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A Persepolis fan holds up a flag before kick-off of the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Persepolis’s fan during the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)

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Sin Jinho of Ulsan during the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Sin Jin Ho of Ulsan Hyundai during the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)

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Mehdi Abdi of Persepolis celebrates with his team-mates

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Mehdi Abdi of Persepolis celebrates with his teammates after scoring during the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Holmes/Getty Images)

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Persepolis’ forward Mehdi Abdi Qara (C) celebrates with his team after scoring during the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Persepolis’ forward Mehdi Abdi Qara (C) celebrates with his team after scoring during the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)

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Mehdi Abdi of Persepolis celebrates with his team-mates after scoring during the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Mehdi Abdi of Persepolis celebrates with his teammates after scoring during the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Holmes/Getty Images)

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Mehdi Shiri of Persepolis and Kim Insung of Ulsan Hyundai chase the ball during the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Mehdi Shiri of Persepolis and Kim In-sung of Ulsan Hyundai chase the ball aduring the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Holmes/Getty Images)

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Yoon Bitgaram of Ulsan shoots at goal during the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Yoon Bit-garam of Ulsan Hyundai shoots at goal during the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Holmes/Getty Images)

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Siamak Nemati of Persepolis controls the ball during the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Siamak Nemati of Persepolis controls the ball during the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Holmes/Getty Images)

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Junior Negrao of Ulsan misses a penalty but scores the rebound

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Junior Negrao of Ulsan Hyundai misses a penalty but scores the rebound during the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Holmes/Getty Images)

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Ulsan’s forward Junior Negrao shoots to score during the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Ulsan’s forward Junior Negrao shoots to score during the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)

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Junior Negrao and Kim Insung of Ulsan celebrate

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Junior Negrao and Kim In-sung in Ulsan Hyundai celebrate after Negrao scored during the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Holmes/Getty Images)

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Ulsan’s forward Junior Negrao celebrates his goal

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Ulsan’s forward Junior Negrao celebrates his goal during the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)

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Ulsan’s forward Junior Negrao shoots to score during the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Ulsan’s forward Junior Negrao shoots to score during the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)

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Ulsan’s forward Junior Negrao celebrates his goal during the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Ulsan’s forward Junior Negrao celebrates his goal during the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)

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Junior Negrao of Ulsan celebrates after his first goal during the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Junior Negrao of Ulsan Hyundai celebrates after his first goal during the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Holmes/Getty Images)

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Ulsan’s forward Junior Negrao celebrates his goal during the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Ulsan’s forward Junior Negrao celebrates his goal during the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)

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Ulsan captain Shin Hojin lifts the AFC Champions League trophy

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Ulsan Hyundai captain, Ho-Jin Shin, lifts the AFC Champions League after the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Holmes/Getty Images)

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Ulsan’s players celebrate winning the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Ulsan’s players celebrate winning the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)

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Ulsan’s players celebrate winning the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Ulsan’s players celebrate winning the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)

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Ulsan Hyundai celebrate after the AFC Champions League final

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Ulsan Hyundai celebrate after the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Holmes/Getty Images)

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Ulsan captain Shin Hojin lifts the AFC Champions League

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Ulsan Hyundai captain, Ho-Jin Shin, lifts the AFC Champions League after the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Holmes/Getty Images)

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Ulsan celebrate winning the AFC Champions League

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Ulsan’s players celebrate winning the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)

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Yoon Bitgaram wins the player of the tournament award for the AFC Champions League 2020

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: Yoon Bit-garam of Ulsan Hyundai collects the best player of the tournament award from Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, head of the QFA, after the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Holmes/Getty Images)

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Fireworks after the AFC Champions League final at Al Janoub Stadium

19 Dec 2020

AL WAKRAH, QATAR – DECEMBER 19: General view of Al Janoub Stadium after the AFC Champions League final between Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai at the Al Janoub Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)

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Under the spotlight

Brazilian Junior Negrao was the undisputed hero of the game, scoring twice to clinch the title for his team. He proved a threat for the Iranian defenders throughout the encounter, causing havoc with his dribbling skills and pace. His brace takes his total for the tournament to seven goals, which makes him the joint top scorer with Al Nassr’s Abderrazak Hamdallah.

Awards

Tournament top scorer: Abdul Razzaq Hamdallah (Al Nassr), 7 goals (played fewer minutes than Negrao)

Fair Play Award: Ulsan (Korea Republic)

Player of the Tournament: Yoon Bitgaram (Ulsan)

Did you know?

This is the second time Ulsan have been crowned Asian Champions. Their first success came in 2012, when they beat Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli 3-0 in the final.

Sourced from FIFA

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