AFC Champions League League Phase East - 6

Machida Zelvia 3 - 1 FT Ulsan Hyundai FC

Machida GION Stadium

Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict
34
FT
Tue, Dec 9
Machida Zelvia
3-1
Ulsan Hyundai FC
⚡ Intensity 41
⚖️ Balance 15
🏆 Stakes 0
🎲 Upset 0
Clinical Machida punish Ulsan's sterile possession.

Clinical Zelvia Stun Possession-Heavy Ulsan

Skip It Futmetrix Score: 34/100. A masterclass in transitional play saw Machida Zelvia punish Ulsan's sterile dominance of the ball to secure a vital continental victory.

The Battle for Control at Machida GION Stadium

The tactical setup at Machida GION Stadium was evident from the opening exchanges, as Ulsan Hyundai FC sought to dictate the tempo through rhythmic passing. The visitors controlled possession with a 57% share, attempting to stretch the Japanese side's compact shape. However, Machida Zelvia appeared comfortable operating without the ball, maintaining a rigid defensive block that forced Ulsan into harmless lateral movements. Despite the disparity in ball retention, the home side looked the more threatening on the break, utilizing quick vertical transitions to exploit the spaces left behind the Korean high line. An Intensity score of 6.5 reflected a match where the physical demands were high, as both teams contested every pocket of space in a high-stakes midfield duel that defined the early phase of this encounter.

Efficiency Overcomes Volume in a Shooting Gallery

As the match progressed, the pitch transformed into a veritable shooting gallery, with the narrative shaped by a combined barrage of 26 shots. While Ulsan Hyundai FC managed 14 of those attempts, their lack of a "sniper" in the final third proved costly. In contrast, Machida Zelvia demonstrated ruthless efficiency, turning their 12 total shots into a commanding three-goal haul. The Balance rating of 1.5 highlights how the scoreline drifted away from the statistical parity of the match. Machida’s ability to generate five shots on target from limited possession exposed the defensive vulnerabilities of the visitors. The turning point came through Machida’s superior shot accuracy and their capacity to win 14 aerial duels, providing the necessary platform to launch second-phase attacks that Ulsan simply could not contain under pressure.

Implications for the Continental Standings

The final whistle confirmed a 3-1 victory for the hosts, a result that carries significant weight in the AFC Champions League group stage. For Machida Zelvia, this win reinforces their strong season form, keeping them firmly in the hunt at the top of the table with 14 points from seven matches. Conversely, the defeat leaves Ulsan Hyundai FC languishing in 9th position, their struggle to convert possession into points becoming a recurring theme in their continental campaign. With the Stakes rising as the knockout rounds approach, Machida’s disciplined performance suggests they are genuine contenders. Ulsan must now find a way to sharpen their offensive edge, as having 86% pass accuracy and controlling the ball meant little against a Machida side that mastered the art of the clinical counter-attack on their home turf.

Key Questions

Who won the match between Machida Zelvia and Ulsan Hyundai FC?

Machida Zelvia won the match 3-1 against Ulsan Hyundai FC.

Where was the match played?

The match took place at Machida GION Stadium.

How many shots were taken in total during the game?

A total of 26 shots were attempted by both teams combined.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Match Statistics

Possession
43%
57%
Machida Zelvia 43%
Ulsan Hyundai FC 57%
Shots
12
14
Machida Zelvia 12
Ulsan Hyundai FC 14
Shots on Target
5
5
Machida Zelvia 5
Ulsan Hyundai FC 5
Expected Goals (xG)
0.00
0.00
Machida Zelvia 0.00
Ulsan Hyundai FC 0.00
Passes
466
639
Machida Zelvia 466
Ulsan Hyundai FC 639
Pass Accuracy
81%
86%
Machida Zelvia 81%
Ulsan Hyundai FC 86%
Corners
2
3
Machida Zelvia 2
Ulsan Hyundai FC 3
Fouls
6
3
Machida Zelvia 6
Ulsan Hyundai FC 3
Yellow Cards
0
1
Machida Zelvia 0
Ulsan Hyundai FC 1
Red Cards
0
0
Machida Zelvia 0
Ulsan Hyundai FC 0

Match Events

6' A. Masuyama (H. Shimoda)
21' T. Nishimura (K. Sento)
Heo Yool G. Ludwigson 🔄 36'
Marcao Um Won-Sang 🔄 36'
HT
47' Oh Se-Hun (A. Masuyama)
Um Won-Sang (G. Ludwigson) 55'
M. Trojak D. Lee 🔄 59'
H. Lee Lee Chung-Yong 🔄 59'
63' 🔄 Oh Se-Hun M. Duke
64' 🔄 A. Masuyama D. Okamura
64' 🔄 K. Sento Y. Soma
72' 🔄 T. Nishimura S. Fujio
Park Min-Seo Cho Hyun-Taek 🔄 73'
86' 🔄 H. Shimoda H. Mae
FT

Player Cards

Our take on every player in this match

Machida Zelvia

Goalkeepers
K. Tani
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
H. Mochizuki
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
2
Fouls Won
2
Fouls Won
5
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
G. Shoji
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
I. Dresevic
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Midfielders
A. Masuyama
SNIPER
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
Y. Nakayama
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
H. Shimoda
PROVIDER
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
2
Key Passes
7.2
Rating
K. Hayashi
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Forwards
K. Sento
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
4
Key Passes
4
Key Passes
1
Assists
25%
Pass Acc
T. Nishimura
FINISHER
FINISHER
1
Goals
1
Goals
3
Shots
8
Rating
Oh Se-Hun
SNIPER
SNIPER
50%
Conversion
50%
Conversion
1
Goals
2
Shots
BENCH
Y. Arai
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
T. Morita
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
T. Imai
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
D. Okamura
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
26
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Cha Je-Hoon
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
K. Higuchi
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
H. Mae
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
9
Total Mins
Started
Entry
R. Shirasaki
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Duke
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
27
Total Mins
Started
Entry
S. Fujio
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
18
Total Mins
Started
Entry
T. Numata
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Y. Soma
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
26
Total Mins
Started
Entry

Ulsan Hyundai FC

Goalkeepers
Jo Hyeon-Woo
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
1
Fouls Won
1
Fouls Won
1
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Defenders
Kang Sang-Woo
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
0
Assists
39%
Pass Acc
Seo Myung-Guan
MAGNET
MAGNET
109
Activity
109
Activity
89
Passes
20
Duels
M. Trojak
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
59
Total Mins
59
Entry
Jung Seung-Hyun
MAGNET
MAGNET
92
Activity
92
Activity
86
Passes
6
Duels
Park Min-Seo
ENFORCER
ENFORCER
4
Tackles
4
Tackles
4
Duels Won
80%
Win %
Midfielders
H. Lee
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
59
Total Mins
59
Entry
Ko Seung-Beom
MAGNET
MAGNET
82
Activity
82
Activity
72
Passes
10
Duels
D. Bojanic
MAGNET
MAGNET
82
Activity
82
Activity
75
Passes
7
Duels
Heo Yool
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
36
Total Mins
36
Entry
Forwards
Marcao
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
36
Total Mins
36
Entry
BENCH
Ryu Seong-Min
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Cho Hyun-Taek
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
17
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Choi Seok-Hyun
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Kim Young-Gwon
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Lee Jae-Ik
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jung Woo-Young
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Lee Jin-Hyun
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Lee Chung-Yong
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
31
Total Mins
Started
Entry
G. Ludwigson
SUPER SUB
SUPER SUB
1
Assist
1
Assist
54
Minutes
6.2
Rating
M. Lacava
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Um Won-Sang
SUPER SUB
SUPER SUB
1
Goal
1
Goal
54
Minutes
8.2
Rating
D. Lee
👻 Invisible Nothing to note

League Standings

Pos Team P Pts GF GA GD Form
1 Vissel Kobe 6 13 12 6 +6 DVissel Kobe 2 - 2 Chengdu Better City (09-12-2025)WShanghai Shenhua 0 - 2 Vissel Kobe (26-11-2025)WVissel Kobe 1 - 0 Ulsan Hyundai FC (05-11-2025)LGangwon FC 4 - 3 Vissel Kobe (22-10-2025)WVissel Kobe 1 - 0 Melbourne City (01-10-2025)
2 Machida Zelvia 6 11 10 5 +5 WMachida Zelvia 3 - 1 Ulsan Hyundai FC (09-12-2025)WGangwon FC 1 - 3 Machida Zelvia (25-11-2025)LMachida Zelvia 1 - 2 Melbourne City (04-11-2025)WSHANGHAI SIPG 0 - 2 Machida Zelvia (21-10-2025)DJohor Darul Takzim FC 0 - 0 Machida Zelvia (30-09-2025)
3 Sanfrecce Hiroshima 6 11 6 3 +3 WSanfrecce Hiroshima 1 - 0 Shanghai Shenhua (10-12-2025)DChengdu Better City 1 - 1 Sanfrecce Hiroshima (25-11-2025)WSanfrecce Hiroshima 1 - 0 Gangwon FC (04-11-2025)LUlsan Hyundai FC 1 - 0 Sanfrecce Hiroshima (21-10-2025)DSanfrecce Hiroshima 1 - 1 SHANGHAI SIPG (30-09-2025)
4 Melbourne City 6 10 7 6 +1 DFC Seoul 1 - 1 Melbourne City (10-12-2025)WMelbourne City 2 - 0 Johor Darul Takzim FC (25-11-2025)WMachida Zelvia 1 - 2 Melbourne City (04-11-2025)WMelbourne City 2 - 1 Buriram United (21-10-2025)LVissel Kobe 1 - 0 Melbourne City (01-10-2025)
5 FC Seoul 6 9 8 5 +3 DFC Seoul 1 - 1 Melbourne City (10-12-2025)WSHANGHAI SIPG 1 - 3 FC Seoul (25-11-2025)DFC Seoul 0 - 0 Chengdu Better City (04-11-2025)LShanghai Shenhua 2 - 0 FC Seoul (22-10-2025)WFC Seoul 3 - 0 Buriram United (30-09-2025)
6 Johor Darul Takzim FC 6 8 6 5 +1 DJohor Darul Takzim FC 0 - 0 SHANGHAI SIPG (09-12-2025)LMelbourne City 2 - 0 Johor Darul Takzim FC (25-11-2025)WJohor Darul Takzim FC 3 - 1 Shanghai Shenhua (05-11-2025)WChengdu Better City 0 - 2 Johor Darul Takzim FC (21-10-2025)DJohor Darul Takzim FC 0 - 0 Machida Zelvia (30-09-2025)
7 Buriram United 6 8 7 8 -1 DBuriram United 2 - 2 Gangwon FC (09-12-2025)DUlsan Hyundai FC 0 - 0 Buriram United (26-11-2025)WBuriram United 2 - 0 SHANGHAI SIPG (04-11-2025)LMelbourne City 2 - 1 Buriram United (21-10-2025)LFC Seoul 3 - 0 Buriram United (30-09-2025)
8 Ulsan Hyundai FC 6 8 5 6 -1 LMachida Zelvia 3 - 1 Ulsan Hyundai FC (09-12-2025)DUlsan Hyundai FC 0 - 0 Buriram United (26-11-2025)LVissel Kobe 1 - 0 Ulsan Hyundai FC (05-11-2025)WUlsan Hyundai FC 1 - 0 Sanfrecce Hiroshima (21-10-2025)DShanghai Shenhua 1 - 1 Ulsan Hyundai FC (01-10-2025)
9 Gangwon FC 6 7 9 11 -2 DBuriram United 2 - 2 Gangwon FC (09-12-2025)LGangwon FC 1 - 3 Machida Zelvia (25-11-2025)LSanfrecce Hiroshima 1 - 0 Gangwon FC (04-11-2025)WGangwon FC 4 - 3 Vissel Kobe (22-10-2025)LChengdu Better City 1 - 0 Gangwon FC (30-09-2025)
10 Chengdu Better City 6 6 5 7 -2 DVissel Kobe 2 - 2 Chengdu Better City (09-12-2025)DChengdu Better City 1 - 1 Sanfrecce Hiroshima (25-11-2025)DFC Seoul 0 - 0 Chengdu Better City (04-11-2025)LChengdu Better City 0 - 2 Johor Darul Takzim FC (21-10-2025)WChengdu Better City 1 - 0 Gangwon FC (30-09-2025)
11 Shanghai Shenhua 6 4 5 9 -4 LSanfrecce Hiroshima 1 - 0 Shanghai Shenhua (10-12-2025)LShanghai Shenhua 0 - 2 Vissel Kobe (26-11-2025)LJohor Darul Takzim FC 3 - 1 Shanghai Shenhua (05-11-2025)WShanghai Shenhua 2 - 0 FC Seoul (22-10-2025)DShanghai Shenhua 1 - 1 Ulsan Hyundai FC (01-10-2025)
12 SHANGHAI SIPG 6 2 2 11 -9 DJohor Darul Takzim FC 0 - 0 SHANGHAI SIPG (09-12-2025)LSHANGHAI SIPG 1 - 3 FC Seoul (25-11-2025)LBuriram United 2 - 0 SHANGHAI SIPG (04-11-2025)LSHANGHAI SIPG 0 - 2 Machida Zelvia (21-10-2025)DSanfrecce Hiroshima 1 - 1 SHANGHAI SIPG (30-09-2025)