ULSAN, SOUTH KOREA – The 2026 K League 1 season kicked off with a bang on Saturday, as Brazilian forward Yago delivered a stellar performance for Ulsan HD, scoring two goals against his former club, Gangwon FC. The match, held at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, saw Ulsan secure a 3-1 victory, marking a successful debut for new manager Kim Hyun-seok. Yago’s brace not only secured the win but also earned him the distinction of scoring the league’s first goal and the first multi-goal performance of the season.
The 26-year-old striker opened the scoring in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a cross from Cho Hyun-taek that deflected off Lee Gyu-seong and a Gangwon defender. Yago calmly finished with a right-footed shot, giving Ulsan an early lead. According to reports from TopStarNews, the goal ignited the stadium and set the tone for Ulsan’s dominant performance. He doubled the advantage just before halftime, in the 47th minute, with a left-footed strike following a pass from Choi Seok-hyun. This second goal cemented his status as the league’s first player to achieve a multi-goal game in 2026.
Yago’s Return to Ulsan and Impact on the Game
Yago’s return to Ulsan HD has already proven to be a significant boost for the team. He initially joined the K League in 2023 with Gangwon, where he quickly established himself as a key player, scoring 9 goals and providing 1 assist in 18 matches. As reported by Yonhap News Agency, he then moved to Ulsan in the latter half of 2024, adding another 4 goals and 1 assist in 12 appearances. His temporary stint with Zhejiang Greentown (now known as Zhejiang Team) in China last year didn’t diminish his scoring prowess, as he returned to Korea ready to make an immediate impact.
The victory over Gangwon was particularly meaningful for Ulsan, as it marked Kim Hyun-seok’s first win as head coach. Kim, a club legend, took over the reins after a period of instability, with the team having changed managers twice in the previous season, finishing 9th in the league. The win provides a positive start to the season and signals a potential turnaround for the club. Ulsan had previously faced challenges in the AFC Champions League Elite Stage, drawing 0-0 with Shanghai Haigang and losing 1-2 to Melbourne City, failing to advance to the knockout stage.
Detailed Breakdown of the Goals
Yago’s first goal in the 18th minute was a result of excellent teamwork and a bit of luck. Cho Hyun-taek’s cross found Lee Gyu-seong, whose initial touch directed the ball towards the right side of the penalty area. The ball then grazed Gangwon defender Lee Gi-hyeok before falling perfectly for Yago, who slotted it home with a composed finish. The second goal, scored in added time of the first half, showcased Yago’s individual skill. Receiving a pass from Choi Seok-hyun, he unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from the right side of the box, leaving the Gangwon goalkeeper with no chance.
The match wasn’t without a response from Gangwon, who managed to pull one goal back, but Ulsan’s defense held firm, securing a 3-1 victory. The win demonstrates Ulsan’s attacking capabilities and Yago’s ability to lead the line effectively. The Brazilian forward’s performance against his former team was a clear statement of intent for the season ahead.
Yago’s K League Statistics
Yago’s K League career statistics highlight his consistent goal-scoring record. Since joining Gangwon in 2023, he has proven to be a reliable attacking threat. His combined statistics from his time with both Gangwon and Ulsan demonstrate his value to the league. He has a total of 13 goals and 2 assists in 30 K League 1 appearances, showcasing his ability to both score and create opportunities for his teammates.
His performance on Saturday not only secured a win for Ulsan but also established him as an early contender for the league’s Golden Boot award. The K League 1 season is still in its early stages, but Yago’s strong start suggests he could play a pivotal role in Ulsan’s quest for the championship.
Looking Ahead for Ulsan HD
Ulsan HD will look to build on this positive start as they navigate the challenges of the 2026 K League 1 season. The team’s next match will be a crucial test of their form and they will rely heavily on Yago’s continued goal-scoring prowess. Kim Hyun-seok will be aiming to instill a winning mentality within the squad and establish Ulsan as a dominant force in Korean football. The team’s performance in the AFC Champions League earlier this year highlighted areas for improvement, and the new season provides an opportunity to address those weaknesses.
The victory over Gangwon serves as a significant morale boost for Ulsan, and the fans will be hoping for a successful season under the guidance of their legendary manager and the leadership of their star striker, Yago. The K League 1 season promises to be competitive, and Ulsan HD, with Yago leading the charge, are well-positioned to challenge for the title.
The next confirmed action will be Ulsan HD’s upcoming K League 1 match, details of which will be announced on the official K League website. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the 2026 season unfolds. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and predictions for the season in the comments below.
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