‘Hungarian Express’ Martin Adam was, of course, Ulsan Hyundai’s ‘lucky piece’.
Martin Adam scored a hat-trick on his Asian Champions League (ACL) debut. Martin Adam scored three goals and led the team to a 3-1 victory in the first leg of the ACL group stage against BG Pathum United (Thailand) held at Ulsan World Cup Stadium on the 19th.
Martin Adam opened the goal with his left foot by sliding Lee Dong-kyung’s pass in the 28th minute of the first half. Ulsan was struck by Pathum’s Ryan Stewart in the 41st minute of the second half and finished the first half tied 1-1.
Coach Hong Myung-bo turned the tide with a replacement card. At the start of the second half, ‘new captain’안전놀이터 Kim Ki-hee was substituted for Kim Young-kwon. Lee Chung-yong in the 17th minute of the second half. Boyanic and Lee Dong-kyung were removed, and Rubikson, Ataru, and Kim Min-hyuk were brought in at the same time. The replacement card shined. The defense stabilized and the offense gained momentum.
Martin Adam was the solution. In the 28th minute of the second half, he rushed Ataru’s cross and finished it with his left foot. Five minutes later he was helped by Bako. He completed his hat trick by once again cutting the ball given away by Bako into the net with his left foot. It has been 1,173 days since Ulsan recorded a hat trick since Junior on July 4, 2020.
Martin Adam said, “The first half showed an overall slow and poor performance. We were able to win through quick passes and aggressive movements in the second half. I am very happy to score a hat trick. A goal is important for the team, but winning was also important. First hat trick in Ulsan. “But I recorded it three times in Hungary,” he said with a laugh.
Martin Adam hit the net once more, but it was canceled out due to an unclear decision. He also said, “I thought it was four goals, but I don’t know what the problem was.”
Martin Adam settled in Ulsan last summer. As Ulsan was eliminated in the group stage last season, there was no opportunity to play with ACL. He said, “Whether it is the K-League or the ACL, all games are the same. I think Pathum is relatively underpowered, but I think the teams participating in the ACL are all good teams.”
Martin Adam is active in rotation with Joo Min-gyu this season. In the K-League, he has played in 24 games and recorded 5 goals and 3 assists. Compared to Joo Min-gyu of 14-1 Help, his weight is lower. He was given fewer opportunities.
Ulsan has only one win in the last six K-League games. With 62 points, the point gap with second place Pohang Steelers (56 points) has been reduced to 6 points. Martin Adam emphasized, “I think we can expect more from the next game against Suwon FC.”
Coach Hong praised, “We tried to utilize Martin Adam’s physical strengths in the back space, but it was difficult in the first half because the opponent was strong. In the second half, as the opponent’s strength dropped, a chance arose. We played a difficult role well.”
Martin Adam was the ignition for the team to win the K-League 1 title for the first time in 17 years last year. In the home game against Jeonbuk Hyundai, they scored two goals in extra time in the second half, leading to a 2-1 come-from-behind win, effectively putting an end to the situation.
Martin Adam smiled once again, saying, “It’s my first hat-trick in Ulsan, so I’m very happy and in a good mood. I also received autographs from all my teammates. I’ll take the hat-trick ball to Hungary.”