Ulsan wary of new Asian heartbreak

Ulsan Hyundai will take nothing for granted in today's AFC Champions League semi-final return leg, despite a handy lead over Bunyodkor, after a bitter exit the last time they were in this position.

After last week's 3-1 win in Tashkent, the South Korean side are favourites to reach their first Asian club final and set up a showdown with one of two teams from Saudi Arabia's Jeddah - two-time winners Al Ittihad, or Al Ahli.

While Ulsan haven't won in six K-League games, they are on a seven-match hot streak in Asian competition and in line to become the fourth Korean club in four years to reach the Champions League final.

Last week they came back from a goal down against Uzbek champions Bunyodkor at Jar Stadium, thanks to goals by Brazilian forward Rafinha and South Korean internationals Kim Shin-wook and Lee Keun-ho.

Meanwhile, Bunyodkor face the unhappy prospect of going out in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the second time in five years unless they can turn around the deficit in Ulsan. But coach Mirdjalal Kasimov has not thrown in the towel yet.

"We now don't have any more chances. We will do our best in the second leg to recover," said the Uzbek legend.

"It will be a tough game in Korea but we must remember this is our chance to reach the final and we must have no regrets. We must do our best."

The winners of the tie will host the final on November 10, with Al Ittihad most likely to join them after beating Al Ahli 1-0 in the first leg at their shared Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium.