Yokohama F·Marinos were unable to find a way through against Ulsan Hyundai in the first leg of their AFC Champions League semi-final tie, falling 1-0.

Nevertheless, the Tricolor still have a fantastic opportunity to book their spot in the final, down just one goal heading back to Yokohama for the second leg.

Ulsan went in front after 19 minutes when a smooth move got Lee Dong-gyeong a shot from 15 yards, which he easily finished for the early lead.

The Tricolor responded well, with Yan Matheus forcing a good save on a shot from distance and Anderson Lopes having a go himself, but Ulsan still went into the break down a goal.

With Marinos pushing for an equalizer in the second half, they were more open at the back and it nearly bit them when a good Ulsan counter saw them hit the post and again when William Popp tipped another effort off the woodwork.

Still, the Tricolor kept pushing and it looked like they had their equalizer in the 81st minute when Yan Matheus got a great chance two yards from goal, but his sliding effort went over the frame and the match ended with an Ulsan win.

While Marinos would have loved to have taken a result in Korea, they are still in the tie and showed they can match a good Ulsan side. They’ll be back at Nissan Stadium next week with their adoring fans behind them and a two-goal win will send them through to challenge for Asia's top honors in the final.