Rivalry between Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), Malaysia’s premier football club, and Ulsan Hyundai, South Korea’s powerhouse club In the world of football, some matchups stand out not just for their history, but for their potential to create thrilling spectacles. One such match-up that has garnered attention in recent years. These two teams have become prominent fixtures in the AFC Champions League (ACL), representing the best of their respective leagues and showcasing the growing competitive nature of Asian football. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the significance of these encounters, the teams involved, and what makes this matchup so exciting for fans of the beautiful game in Asia and beyond.
Johor Darul Ta'zim: Malaysia's Dominant Force
Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) is the most successful and dominant club in Malaysian football in recent years. Based in Johor Bahru, the capital of Johor state, the club has seen a meteoric rise since being taken over by the Johor Royal Family in 2012. The club's transformation has been nothing short of impressive, with heavy investment in world-class facilities, top-tier players, and experienced managers.
JDT's domestic success is unparalleled, having won multiple Malaysia Super League (MSL) titles in the last decade. Their consistent dominance on the domestic scene has earned them recognition as one of the best teams in Southeast Asia. The club has also been a regular participant in the AFC Champions League, Asia’s premier club competition, which has helped them raise their profile and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the continental stage.
Ulsan Hyundai: South Korea's Football Powerhouse
On the other hand, Ulsan Hyundai is one of South Korea's most successful and storied football clubs. Founded in 1983, Ulsan has consistently been one of the strongest teams in the Korean K League, with numerous league titles and cup victories to their name. The club’s most significant achievement came in 2012, when they won the AFC Champions League, cementing their place as one of the top clubs in Asia.
Ulsan is known for its excellent footballing infrastructure, strong youth development, and a rich history of producing top-tier players. The club has also been a regular fixture in the AFC Champions League and has faced some of Asia's best clubs, building a reputation for their tactical discipline and hard-nosed approach to football. With a robust squad, Ulsan's style of play often focuses on a balanced approach, with an emphasis on quick counter-attacks and solid defensive structures.
AFC Champions League Encounters: An Overview
The AFC Champions League is the stage where these two clubs have clashed in recent years. The tournament, which features the best clubs from Asia's top leagues, has provided a platform for both JDT and Ulsan to test their skills against some of the continent's finest teams. These encounters, while not always numerous, have been intense and highly anticipated.
First Encounter (2021): One of the most notable recent meetings between JDT and Ulsan took place during the 2021 AFC Champions League group stages. Ulsan, as defending champions, faced a tough challenge from JDT, who were looking to make an impact on the continental stage. The match ended in a 1-0 victory for Ulsan, a result that highlighted the quality of the K League champions. However, JDT put up a strong fight, showcasing their resilience and tactical discipline.
Second Encounter (2022): In the following year’s AFC Champions League, JDT faced Ulsan once again in another high-profile match. This time, the stakes were even higher as both clubs were aiming to progress further in the tournament. Ulsan proved to be too strong for the Malaysian champions, securing a 2-0 victory. However, the matches against Ulsan were invaluable experiences for JDT, who gained crucial lessons in the level of competition required to compete at the highest level in Asia.
Tactics and Playing Styles
Both Johor Darul Ta'zim and Ulsan Hyundai bring distinct styles of play to the table, which makes their encounters fascinating to watch.
JDT's Style of Play: Under the management of Benjamin Mora (and previous coach Cesar Ferrando), JDT plays an attacking style of football, often relying on fluid possession-based play and quick transitions. They are well-organized defensively, with key players like Daren Liew and Hariss Harun providing a solid backbone in midfield. The presence of dynamic forwards such as Fernando Forestieri and Jorginho adds firepower, with the team focusing on creating opportunities through rapid passing and movement off the ball. JDT’s ability to dominate possession in the middle of the park is one of their greatest strengths, though they also have the ability to counter-attack when needed.
Ulsan Hyundai's Style of Play: Ulsan is a more structured and disciplined side, often characterized by their solid defense and efficient counter-attacks. With players like Kim Kee-hee and Joo-Ho Park in defense, the club prides itself on maintaining a strong backline while being highly effective going forward. Their midfield, led by Yoon Bit-garam, provides the creative spark, with Ulsan typically controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game. Their wide players, such as Lee Chung-yong, often look to stretch the opposition, making Ulsan a dangerous team on the break.
The contrast between JDT's fluid, possession-based approach and Ulsan’s solid defensive structure combined with quick counter-attacks makes for an intriguing tactical battle. Both teams are well-coached, with experienced managers leading them through the intensity of the AFC Champions League.
Key Players to Watch
- JDT:
- Kehinde Fatai: The Nigerian forward has been in top form for JDT, known for his pace, strength, and clinical finishing.
- Safawi Rasid: A talismanic figure in the Malaysian national team and JDT, Safawi is a skillful winger with an eye for goal.
- Harrison F. Chijioke: The Nigerian midfielder is a key enabler for JDT’s attack and a major presence in their midfield.
- Ulsan Hyundai:
- Júnior Negão: A powerful forward who has been a reliable goal scorer for Ulsan in both domestic and international competitions.
- Yoon Bit-garam: The creative playmaker of the team, Yoon is capable of dictating the pace of the game and setting up goals.
- Lee Chung-yong: An experienced winger who has played at the highest level in Europe, Lee brings flair and creativity to Ulsan’s attack.
Why This Match is Significant
For JDT, a match against a team like Ulsan Hyundai represents an opportunity to prove that they belong among the top clubs in Asia. While JDT has enjoyed domestic success for several years, the club is still striving to make an impact in the AFC Champions League, a competition that pits them against teams from some of Asia's strongest leagues, including Japan’s J1 League and South Korea’s K League.
For Ulsan Hyundai, these encounters provide a chance to assert their dominance on the continental stage and defend their position as one of the region's leading clubs. With the K League continuing to produce top-class footballing talent and competitive teams, Ulsan’s participation in the ACL is crucial for maintaining their stature in Asian football.
Conclusion: A Rivalry for the Future
As the AFC Champions League continues to grow in stature and competitiveness, the rivalry between Johor Darul Ta'zim and Ulsan Hyundai is one to watch. These matchups provide thrilling moments and showcase the development of football in both Malaysia and South Korea. While Ulsan's experience and pedigree give them the edge in these encounters, JDT's ambition and hunger to prove themselves on the Asian stage make them a dangerous opponent.
As both teams continue to evolve, their future encounters promise to be captivating, with high stakes, passionate football, and plenty of drama, all of which are hallmarks of Asian football's best competitions. Fans from both sides will be eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this growing rivalry, and who knows? One day, JDT may even find themselves lifting the AFC Champions League trophy, challenging the established order of Asian football.
