Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors was on the cusp of returning to the AFC Champions League final — 10 years after its first — after beating FC Seoul 4-1 at Jeonju World Cup Stadium yesterday.

Former winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors moved to within sight of the final of the 2016 AFC Champions League on Wednesday evening with a 4-1 win over FC Seoul in the first leg of their semi-final at Jeonju World Cup Stadium.

A scintillating first half put the 2006 title-holders in control of this all-Korea Republic clash with a brace from Leonardo sandwiching a strike from fellow Brazilian Ricardo Lopes but Seoul collected a vital away goal early in the second half to stay in the tie going into October's second leg. A late goal from Kim Shin-wook, however, gave Jeonbuk a convincing win.

Seoul started brightly but it was the hosts with the first attempt after ten minutes as Leonardo curled a shot just wide of the post from outside the area.

Jeonbuk went much closer four minutes later. Leonardo slipped the ball to Park Won-jae and the left-back's first time shot from just inside the left side of the area was tipped on to the bar by Yu Sang-hun.

After 20 minutes, Jeonbuk were awarded a penalty. Kim Bo-kyung slipped the ball through a crowded area to Kim Shin-wook and the big striker was adjudged to have been fouled by Kwak Tae-hwi.

Leonardo stepped up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way for his seventh goal of the tournament so far.

Within three minutes, Ricardo Lopes added Jeonbuk's second in some style. The Brazilian found Kim Shin-wook and then outpaced Osmar Barba into the penalty box to take the striker's flick-on and send a low shot past Yu from a tight angle on the right side.

It got worse for Seoul six minutes before the break. Kim once again flicked on a long-ball down the right and once again, Lopes was too quick for Osmar. His cross bounced once just outside the six yard box before Leonardo stooped to head home his second and Jeonbuk's third.

Whatever coach Hwang said at half-time, it had an effect as Seoul pulled a goal back inside a minute of the restart with their first shot on goal.

A long ball from deep inside the visitor's half was allowed to bounce all the way into the Jeonbuk area and midfielder Ju Se-jong appeared on a diagonal run from the right to chest the ball down and send a fierce half-volley high into the net.

Seoul pushed for a second but seven minutes from time, Kim Shin-wook restored Jeonbuk's three-goal advantage, shooting home from the left corner of the penalty area to leave Seoul with much to do on October 19 in the second leg.

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