TASHKENT — Ulsan Hyundai took a massive step toward reaching its first AFC Champions League final when it came from a goal down to beat Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan 3-1 away in their semifinal first leg Wednesday. Brazilian forward Rafinha and South Korean internationals Kim Shin-wook and Lee Keun-ho scored the goals as the visitors overcame the problematic, sandy pitch at the Jar Stadium in Tashkent to maintain their unbeaten run in this season's tournament. With the winner of the Ulsan-Bunyodkor tie drawn to host the Nov. 10 final against either Al-Ittihad or Al-Ahli, the Koreans will be heavy favorites to continue the country's strong showing in Asia's premier club tournament after another eye-catching attacking display. That scenario didn't look likely early on in Uzbekistan with the home side, which had won all three matches against Korean opponents in this season's tournament, starting brightly and taking a deserved lead on five minutes. Slovak midfielder Jan Kozak was allowed too much space down the right to pull back a cross sharply which Jovlon Ibrokhumov guided into the corner of the net from the edge of the area after a well-timed run. Bunyodkor came close to doubling its lead in the 23rd minute when the lively Ibrokhumov again found space in the box but couldn't steer his header wide of the goalkeeper. Ulsan was sitting deep, under pressure from the host, but came up with a counter-attack equalizer through the dangerous Rafinha on the half-hour mark. Lee Keun-ho broke down the right and cut inside to find Rafinha on the edge of the area and the Brazilian neatly chested the ball down and away from his marker before firing a low left-foot shot just inside the near post. The goal sparked an entertaining, end-to-end remainder of the half with Ulsan enjoying the better of the chances. Bunyodkor goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov was on hand to parry a close-range header from midfielder Kim Seung-yong, while Ulsan striker Kim Shin-wook should have done better with a free header from 12 meters out. Kim Shin-wook faired much better with a second header after the interval. The lanky striker darted to the near post to meet an inswinging corner from Kim Seung-yong and powerfully headed Ulsan in front in the 53rd minute. In the other tie played Monday, Naif Hazazi scored the only goal as twice champion Al-Ittihad claimed a 1-0 win in the first leg of their all-Saudi Arabian semifinal against Al-Ahli. — Agencies
