FC Seoul ended an eight-year winless run against Ulsan HD in dramatic fashion, thanks to a thunderous long-range winner from captain Jesse Lingard that sealed a 1-0 victory and extended their unbeaten streak to five matches in K League 1.

Lingard’s moment of magic arrived in the 41st minute, as the former Manchester United midfielder curled a spectacular 20-metre strike into the top corner to hand his side a long-awaited triumph over their bogey team. The result lifted Seoul to fourth place in the table on 33 points and left Ulsan reeling, having failed to win in their last four league outings.

First Win Over Ulsan in 2,822 Days

The victory was Seoul's first against Ulsan in 23 league meetings—spanning 2,822 days—since October 2017. It was a crucial three points for head coach Kim Gi-dong’s side, who have now recorded three wins and two draws in their last five games.

For Ulsan, the defeat compounds an already troubling run. The reigning champions have now gone eight matches without a win in all competitions, including the Hana Bank Korea Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, with their last victory coming more than a month ago.

Cagey Start, Explosive Finish

The opening stages of the match at Seoul World Cup Stadium were cautious, with both sides adopting patient build-up play and focusing on positional discipline. In fact, neither team registered a single shot until the 27th minute, when Ulsan’s Gustav Ludwigson dragged a left-footed effort just wide of the post after a clever pass from Bojanic.

Ulsan’s most threatening spell followed soon after. Eric almost beat goalkeeper Kang Hyun-moo one-on-one in the 28th minute, but failed to get a shot off, and a powerful header from Trojak off a corner soared over the bar.

Despite growing tension in the away end, where Ulsan supporters unfurled banners criticising the team and head coach Kim Pan-gon, chants of encouragement eventually emerged as the visitors pushed forward. But Seoul, biding their time, found their moment.

Lingard Steals the Show

It was Lingard who registered Seoul's first shot of the game in the 37th minute with a tame effort from the left side of the box. Just minutes later, he delivered the decisive blow.

After a half-cleared cross fell to midfielder Hwang Do-yoon, who flicked it on with a header, Lingard took a touch outside the penalty arc and unleashed a stunning right-footed strike. The ball soared with a majestic arc and crashed into the top right corner, leaving Ulsan keeper Jo Hyeon-woo with no chance.

The visitors protested vehemently for a potential handball by Hwang in the build-up, but referee Kim Hee-gon dismissed the appeals after consultation.

Ulsan Fall Short Despite Late Push

Seoul had chances to extend their lead in the second half. In the 13th minute, Lingard squared a low cut-back to striker Marko Dugandžić, who scuffed his finish over the crossbar from close range.

Ulsan’s best opportunity came in the 65th minute, when Kang Sang-woo’s curling free-kick forced a top-class save from Kang Hyun-moo. The introduction of towering striker Marcão in the 77th minute—a player returning to K League 1 after nearly seven years away—sparked a final flurry, but the Brazilian was kept quiet.

His best effort, a header from a late corner, was well smothered by the Seoul defence. At the final whistle, it was the home side celebrating a historic result.

What It Means

For Seoul, the win not only pushes them into the top four but also leaves them just one shy of their 500th K League victory—a landmark achievement in sight. Meanwhile, Ulsan slide to seventh and face mounting pressure as their title defence continues to unravel.

As Seoul’s resurgence gathers momentum, it’s Jesse Lingard—once a global star at Old Trafford—who is emerging as the heartbeat of their campaign. And on this night, his wonder strike will live long in the memory.