Steelers, Ulsan and Jeonbuk advance to AFC Champions League knockout stage

The Pohang Steelers, Ulsan Hyundai and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors have advanced to the knockout stage of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League, with Incheon United the sole member of the Korean contingent that failed to make the cut

Incheon United's Cheon Seong-hoon, front, in action during an AFC Champions League match against Kaya FC at Rizal Memorial Stadium in the Philippines on Wednesday. [AFC]

The Pohang Steelers, Ulsan Hyundai and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors have advanced to the knockout stage of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League, with Incheon United the sole member of the Korean contingent that failed to make the cut in the continental football tournament.

Jeonbuk was the last K League side to punch a ticket to the knockout stage after a 3-2 win against Bangkok United at home on Wednesday, joining the last 16 as Group F runners-up.

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors' Lee Dong-jun, right, celebrates scoring a goal with Moon Seon-min during an AFC Champions League match against Bangkok United at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, North Jeolla on Wednesday. [YONHAP]

Jeonbuk qualified for the knockout stage as one of the best three runners-up, while Incheon failed to do so after finishing in third place in Group G despite Wednesday’s victory over Kaya FC in the Philippines.

In the Champions League, the 10 group winners and three best runners-up from each region — east Asia and west Asia — reach the Round of 16.

Both Jeonbuk and Incheon had a solid run in the group stage, recording four wins and two losses apiece.

Incheon’s performance in the group stage was impressive, considering it was their first-ever Champions League campaign, beating Group G winners Yokohama F. Marinos twice.

The Marinos and runners-up Shandong Taishan all recorded four wins and two losses to tie with Incheon, but edged them out by head-to-head goal difference.

Ulsan, on the other hand, reached the knockout stage as another best runner-up, recording three wins, one draw and two losses to manage 10 points.

Ulsan Hyundai's Lee Chung-yong, right, dribbles the ball during an AFC Champions League match against Kawasaki Frontale at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan on Wednesday. [AFC]

The 2023 K League winners failed to dominate the group stage like they did in the K League, but a 2-2 draw with Kawasaki Frontale in Ulsan on Tuesday handed them a much-needed point that sent them through to the knockout stage.

The Steelers were the sole K League side to shine in the group stage, locking in a place in the Round of 16 with two matches left to go as Group J winners.

The Pohang side was also the only undefeated K League team with five wins and one draw.

The Pohang Steelers' Lee Ho-jae, right, in action during an AFC Champions League match against Wuhan Three Towns at Wuhan Sports Center Stadium in Wuhan, China on Dec. 6. [AFC]

That remarkable run was perhaps not a surprise, considering they were one of the best K League sides in the 2023 season. The Steelers won the 2023 Korean FA Cup and finished as K League runners-up.

Winning the Champions League this season would make the Steelers the joint-winningest team in tournament history with four titles alongside Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia.

The last time Pohang won the title was back in 2009, and their best finish since then was as runners-up in 2021.

The draw for the Champions League knockout stage will take place on Dec. 28 and the Round of 16 matches will begin in February next year.

BY PAIK JI-HWAN [paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr]