Prediction Ulsan HD vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2025/2026 – Betting Tips for the AFC Champions League Elite on 21/10/2025

Match build-up: tension in Ulsan ahead of a heavyweight East clash

The AFC Champions League Elite returns to Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium on 21/10/2025 with Ulsan HD hosting Sanfrecce Hiroshima in what promises to be an intriguing East stage fixture. Ulsan arrive fresh from a morale-boosting 2-0 K League victory over Gwangju on 18 October, a result that saw Gustav Ludwigson earn the match’s best player nod. That positive note follows a mixed domestic run where draws have been frequent; their recent string reads W-L-D-D-D-W-D-L-L-L, underlining a team capable of grinding out results but also vulnerable to lapses. Group-wise Ulsan sit fourth but unbeaten in the group with four points from two matches, their goal difference a modest 3-2.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima travel north after a goalless J-League draw with FC Tokyo on 17 October that showcased defensive solidity and the sort of concentration that has defined their season. Ju-sung Kim was the standout in that fixture, reflecting a side with a stingy defensive record in the continental group so far: Sanfrecce have conceded just once across their two AFC matches, while scoring three. What stands out most is their domestic consistency — an unbeaten run reflected in recent form summarized as D-W-W-W-D-W-D-W-D-W with six wins and four draws across the period. That resilience on the road and their healthy mix of goals and clean sheets make them a serious threat in Ulsan.

Tactical picture and key statistics to watch

On paper the attacking metrics are close. Ulsan have produced 30 total shots with 14 on target in their recent games, reflecting an ability to create chances and generate dangerous attacks — their dangerous attacks average sits at 90 and their attack volume at 149. Sanfrecce are hardly shy in front of goal either, averaging 28 shots with 15 on target and showing a superior balance between shots inside the box and defensive organisation. Corners are broadly similar, but the numbers underline that this is likely to be a tense affair where quality chances, rather than a cascade of goals, will decide the outcome. The only recorded head-to-head in the data goes back to 2012 and produced a 3-2 thriller, but that historical quirk is of limited relevance given the gap.

Bookmakers have priced Sanfrecce as the more likely winners with an away price of 2.15, while Ulsan are available at 3.00 and the draw at 3.40. Those odds reflect the visitors’ superior recent record and cleaner defensive ledger in continental play.

Betting suggestion (1X2) Back Sanfrecce Hiroshima to win at 2.15. The visitors’ unbeaten run, stronger win ratio in recent fixtures, and tighter defensive numbers in the group give them the edge on form and consistency. Ulsan’s home advantage and recent 2-0 win make them no pushovers, but Sanfrecce’s balance between attack and defence makes an away victory the most likely single-market outcome.