Preview: Ulsan Hosts Melbourne City FC in AFC Champions League Clash

SEOUL, South Korea (Interstat) — Ulsan Hyundai will host Australia’s Melbourne City FC in an AFC Champions League World stage group match on Wednesday, with both sides looking to rebound from recent setbacks.

The match at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium pits the K League 1 power against an A-League side that has shown resilience on the road this continental campaign.

Melbourne City (2-3-1) arrives after a 1-1 draw at FC Seoul on Dec. 10, 2025. That result extended a pattern of competitive away performances, including a 2-1 victory at Japan’s FC Machida Zelvia on Nov. 4. Their form, however, has been inconsistent, with two shutout losses at home this season.

Ulsan (2-2-2) seeks to stabilize following a disappointing 3-1 away defeat to the same Machida Zelvia side on Dec. 9. The Korean club has struggled for goals lately, being held scoreless in two of its last three matches across all competitions. Its lone win in that span was a 1-0 home victory over Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Oct. 21.

According to the Interstat game simulator, the contest is projected to end in a 1-1 draw.

The matchup will feature a contrast in recent trajectories. Melbourne City has taken five points from its last three ACL outings, while Ulsan has managed just one point in the same span, including a scoreless draw with Thailand’s Buriram United.

History in the fixture is limited, making this a pivotal meeting in the group standings. Melbourne City defender and captain Jamie Maclaren will be a key threat, while Ulsan will rely on the creative midfield play of Lee Dong-gyeong to unlock a stubborn defense.

The scheduling presents a quick turnaround for both clubs. Ulsan will travel to face China’s Shanghai Haigang FC in its next Champions League match on Feb. 18. Melbourne City returns home to host Korea’s Gangwon FC on the same date.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. local time (1000 GMT).