Ulsan ensured a return to the semi-finals for the first time since their maiden appearance in 2006 after beating Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal 4-0 in Riyadh earlier this month to seal a 5-0 win on aggregate in their quarter-final tie.

And with Ulsan arriving in Tashkent with a full squad after several national team players - including captain Kwak Tae-hwi and strikers Lee Keun-ho and Kim Shin-wook- travelled directly from Iran following last week's FIFA World Cup qualifiers, confidence is high within the camp that the 2011 K-League Cup winners can take an advantage back to Korea for next week's second leg.

"The match is very important as it is a semi-final and we are playing in order to reach the final. Bunyodkor are a very strong team and they have many good players. It is an important match for both teams," said Ulsan coach Kim Ho-gon.

"Even though this away match is very difficult because we have had a long journey from Korea and because our national team players have travelled directly from Iran, all the players are in a very good condition and we expect all the players to play well.

"And even though Korea lost to Iran, it was a good game and we are still top of the group so I think the players are fully concentrated on winning the game.

"Away matches are always very difficult, but our goal for the match is to win. Our plan for this match will be very aggressive and attack orientated."

Before heading to Tashkent, an under-strength Ulsan – without the likes of captain Kwak and strikers Lee and Kim Shin-wook – lost 3-1 to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on Wednesday in the K-League.

"This year has been very difficult as our league structure has changed and we have had many matches in the K-League and we have also had to release players for the World Cup qualifiers," said Kim.

"But now I can compose my best team as all the players have returned from playing with the national team and they have recovered so all the preparations have been done for the match."

Bunyodkor secured their place in the semi-final after edging out Australia's Adelaide United 3-2 after extra-time in their second leg, with Jasur Khasanov, Artyom Filiposyan and Lutfulla Turaev catching the eye of the Ulsan coach.

"Bunyodkor is a very organised team with a good balance between defence and attack," added Kim. "They also have several national team players."