Asian Champions League: Vissel Kobe Edges Melbourne City
Vissel Kobe maintains their perfect start in the Asian Champions League Elite with a 1-0 win over Melbourne City, thanks to Koya Yuruki's stoppage-time goal.
“I'm proud of my players. They competed for more than 90 minutes and it just hurts the way we conceded that goal in the last minute...”
Vissel Kobe maintained their perfect start in the Asian Champions League Elite group phase with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Melbourne City. Koya Yuruki's stoppage-time winner in the 94th minute sealed the win for the Japanese side. The decisive moment came after a defensive mix-up in Melbourne City's backline, where they failed to deal with a long clearance from Kobe's goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda, allowing Yuruki to pounce on the loose ball and roll it into the empty net.
“I think for the majority of the game we were in it, we were doing well and up until the minute we conceded the goal we were competing well,” said Melbourne City captain Aziz Behich.
“I'm proud of my players. They competed for more than 90 minutes and it just hurts the way we conceded that goal in the last minute.”
Melbourne City are without a point after the first two rounds in the league phase while Kobe have a maximum six points and lead the standings.
The J-League champions hold a two-point advantage over three teams, including twice winners Ulsan HD from South Korea, who drew 1-1 with Shanghai Shenhua in China on Wednesday.
Luis Asue gave Leonid Slutsky's Chinese Super League side the lead three minutes into the second half when he swept a first-time strike past Jo Hyeon-woo after Joao Teixeira's deflected cross had looped up into his path.
[FULLTIME]
— ヴィッセル神戸 (@visselkobe) October 1, 2025
VISSEL KOBE 1-0 MELBOURNE CITY
ハイライトは @DAZN_JPN 📽️
登録は⏩https://t.co/BsONru3yLy#visselkobe #ヴィッセル神戸 #ACLElite pic.twitter.com/NzO7KQNnZ8
Ulsan HD bounced back from Shanghai Shenhua's early lead, with Gustav Ludwigson scoring a crucial equalizer. His side-footed volley in the 60th minute secured a 1-1 draw for Ulsan HD.
The draw has impacted the group standings, with Vissel Kobe maintaining their lead. Ulsan HD, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and FC Seoul are closely following, while Gangwon FC, Chengdu Rongcheng, and Buriram United trail behind.
Ulsan HD's draw with Shanghai Shenhua was a positive result, considering their strong start to the competition. Shanghai Shenhua earned a valuable point, but will look to build on this momentum in their next match.
The top eight teams from each region (West and East Asia) in the 12-team league phase will qualify for the knockout rounds, starting in March. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and final will be held in a centralized venue in Saudi Arabia in late April. This format ensures a competitive and exciting conclusion to the tournament.
ACLEホーム初戦はクリーンシートで勝点3！🥊
— ヴィッセル神戸 (@visselkobe) October 1, 2025
ハイライトは @DAZN_JPN 📽️
登録は⏩https://t.co/BsONru3yLy#visselkobe #ヴィッセル神戸 #ACLElite pic.twitter.com/vfMbBPDvkI
Current Standings:
Vissel Kobe: Leads the standings with 6 points from 2 matches, holding a 2-point advantage over Ulsan HD, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and FC Seoul.
Melbourne City: Sits at the bottom without points from their opening 2 fixtures.
No comments:
Leave comment here