With Suwon Samsung Bluewings breathing down their necks it was a vital win for the champions, who are still in with a chance of making the last eight of the 2007 AFC Champions League.

Mota put the hosts ahead six minutes before half-time as the ex-Sporting Lisbon striker collected Son Dae-ho's pass on edge of the box, span off the last defender and poked the ball past Seo Dong-myong.

Kim Dong-hyun should have extended the lead on the hour mark but the big striker somehow missed from six yards.

However, two minutes later Kim Doo-hyun doubled the advantage as the midfielder latched on to a long ball out of defence and from a tight angle, produced a powerful finish.

Han Jong-hwa pulled a goal back with an effort from just inside the area with five minutes remaining to set up a nervous finish but Seongman held on to claim the points.

Ulsan Hyundai Horang-I have struggled domestically this season but showed no signs of their recent troubles with a 4-0 thrashing of bottom side Gwangju Sangmu.

Lee Chun-soo opened the scoring after five minutes before Almir Lopes De Luna added a second soon after. Both players were again on the scoresheet in the second half to complete the rout.

Pohang Steelers slipped further down the table after a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Jeju United, while Daegu and Daejeon Citizen played out a 1-1 draw.