Pohang Steelers and Ulsan Hyundai Horangi both made winning starts in the Champions Group as the K-League began its play-off stage.

The top eight teams at the end of the regular season will now fight it out for the title while the bottom eight are battling to avoid the two relegation places.

Pohang were 2-1 winners at Suwon Bluewings. Goals from Noh Byung Joon (20) and Hwang Jisu (48) put the visitors in the driving seat, with Ha Taegoon netting a late reply.

Ulsan also enjoyed a 2-1 victory over Gyeongnam. Rafinha's sixth-minute opener for Ulsan was cancelled out by Kim Inhan 10 minutes later, but Kim Shinwook's 80th-minute effort proved decisive.

In the Relegation Group, Daejeon Citizen came from behind to edge out Seongnam Chunma 2-1. Lee Changhoon gave the home side an early lead but Daejeon responded through Kyung Deukji and a Kevin Oris penalty.

Chunnam Dragons played out a 1-1 draw with Gwangju FC. Park Hyun opened the scoring from the spot for Gwangju, but Shin Youngju levelled things up in the second half.