A tired Pohang Steelers side warmed up for the second leg of their AFC Champions League quarter-final against Bunyodkor with a 2-1 win at Busan I'Park. Pohang made six changes from the team that lost 3-1 four days previously in Tashkent and took the lead after 26 minutes.

Yoo Chang-hyun burst into the box, his short pass found Steva Ristic in space and the Macedonian made no mistake with a left-foot shot. Busan drew level from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time as Park hee-do was brought down in the box. Kang Sung-jo stepped up and converted the kick.

Midway through the second half, substitute striker Denilson headed home a Cho Chan-ho free-kick for the winner. The three points put Pohang just two behind leaders FC Seoul and one behind Jeonbuk Motors, who are second.

We won, but this is a game we could have lost. We had a bit of luck when it mattered.
Pohang Steelers coach Sergio Farias

"We only arrived home yesterday and from the start of the game, the players were tired," said Pohang coach Sergio Farias.

"It was a really difficult game and I am just happy that we managed to get three points. We won, but this is a game we could have lost. We had a bit of luck when it mattered.

"Now we have to get ready for Wednesday."

Elsewhere, champions Suwon Bluewings kept their hopes of a play-off place alive with a 3-1 win over in-form Gyeongnam. Brazilian striker Eduardo opened the scoring from the spot and compatriot Tiago sealed the points in the second half.

Chunnam Dragons did their chances of a top-six finish no harm at all thanks to a 2-0 win over Seongnam Ilhwa. Adrian Chuva got both goals as Chunnam leapfrogged Seongnam into fourth place.