Western Sydney Wanderers have moved to the top of Group H in the AFC Champions League with a stunning 2-0 victory away at Ulsan Hyundai.
Western Sydney Wanderers have moved to the top of Group H in the AFC Champions League with a stunning 2-0 victory away at Ulsan Hyundai.
Both goals came in the second half with Mark Bridge scoring the opener with a fine header before setting up another for Brendon Santalab for the sealer 10 minutes from time.
The victory puts the Wanderers on the verge of qualification ahead of the final group game at home to Guizhou Renhe.
With a number of changes from Saturday-s clutch win against Melbourne Heart, Tony Popovic-s men played the perfect match with a solid defensive performance and real bite in attack.
Keeping the threat of Ulsan-s impressive attacking line at bay in the first half, the Red and Black turned on the after-burners in the second half to run riot and complete a dominant victory.
Two minutes after the interval Mark Bridge almost capitalised on a poor back pass to give the visitors the lead before had the ball in the net before long.
Playing cente forward, the St Claire local played the ball out to the left to Shannon Cole who curled in a pinpoint cross for Bridge to expertly head home from just next to the penalty spot.
The powerful header left the Ulsan keeper with no chance as it curled in at the near post to give the Wanderers the opening goal for the fifth time in their fifth Champions League appearance.
As the Red and Black continued to press a second goal seemed inevitable and so it proved when Brendon Santalab sealed the result only minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Bridge was heavily involved again as he slid across goal which was met by the on-running Santalab to smash into the net, putting the Wanderers at the top of Group H in the process.
Children 12 years and under get into the South End of Parramatta Stadium for free against Guizhou Renhe* so ensure you have your tickets when Wanderers seal qualification to the knockout-stage on Tuesday 22 April.
Ulsan Hyundai 0 Western Sydney Wanderers 2 (Bridge 61′, Santalab 80′)
