Football | Fluminense 4 - 2 Ulsan HD

A fantastic match at the MetLife Stadium

Fluminense produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Ulsan HD 4-2 in a thrilling encounter at MetLife Stadium, a result that ends the South Korean side’s hopes of progressing in the tournament.

Author | Josh D

Already beaten in their opener by Mamelodi Sundowns, Ulsan needed a result to stay in contention. Instead, they were undone by a dominant Fluminense display, with the Brazilian side scoring three goals after the break to secure all three points.

Fluminense took control from the outset, monopolising possession as Ulsan sat deep and absorbed pressure. The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Jhon Arias bent a free-kick into the top right corner from 24 yards, giving goalkeeper Jo Hyeonwoo little chance. It was the tournament’s third direct free-kick goal, adding Arias to a list that includes CF Pachuca’s Bryan Gonzalez and Lionel Messi of Inter Miami.

Ulsan responded in dramatic fashion. Their equaliser came from their first shot of the game after a swift counter-attack, sparked by a Fluminense error. Um Wonsang surged forward and delivered a precise cross to Lee Jinhyun, who finished expertly from a tight angle past Fabio.

Buoyed by the goal, Ulsan grew in confidence and struck again just before half-time. Fluminense failed to deal with a loose ball in the box, allowing Lee to swing in a cross for Um, whose diving header found the net to put the K League side ahead.

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Fluminense regrouped and found their rhythm in the second half. In the 66th minute, Keno’s cross was only partially cleared by Milosz Trojak, and Nonato was quickest to react, guiding a composed finish into the bottom corner to level the score.

The turnaround was completed in the 83rd minute. Ulsan's defence failed to clear under pressure, and substitute Germán Cano’s driven ball into the box was met by Juan Freytes, whose crisp strike sealed victory.

Fluminense will now face Mamelodi Sundowns in their final group game at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday. Ulsan, already eliminated, will take on Borussia Dortmund in Cincinnati.