In a dramatic finish on Wednesday, Japan’s Vissel Kobe extended their flawless run in the Asian Champions League Elite group stage thanks to a stoppage-time strike by Koya Yuruki. The midfielder’s 94th-minute goal sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Australian side Melbourne City, maintaining Kobe’s perfect record and solidifying their position at the top of the standings.
Vissel Kobe’s Late Heroics Secure Vital Win
The match appeared headed for a stalemate until Yuruki capitalized on a defensive error by Melbourne City in the dying moments. A long clearance from Vissel’s goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda caught the visitors off guard, allowing Yuruki to calmly roll the ball into an empty net. This crucial goal marked the difference in a tight contest where both teams battled intensely.
Melbourne City captain Aziz Behich reflected on the narrow defeat: “We competed well for most of the game and were in it until the very last moment. It’s tough to concede like that after giving everything for over 90 minutes, but I’m proud of the team’s effort.”
Standings and Group Stage Context
With this win, Vissel Kobe now hold six points from two matches, maintaining their unbeaten streak and leading the group. Meanwhile, Melbourne City remain pointless after two games, struggling to find their footing in the tournament.
Kobe’s perfect start places them two points clear of a cluster of three teams, including South Korean powerhouse Ulsan Hyundai, two-time champions of the competition. Ulsan earned a 1-1 draw against Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in an intense encounter played in China on the same night.
Ulsan Hyundai and Shanghai Shenhua Battle to a Draw
Leonid Slutsky’s Shanghai team took an early second-half lead through Luis Asue, who expertly finished a deflected cross just minutes after the break. However, Ulsan responded with a well-taken equalizer by Gustav Ludwigson, who volleyed the ball into the bottom corner to secure a share of the points.
Tight Competition Across the Groups
Elsewhere, Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima and South Korea’s FC Seoul both sit on four points, closely followed by Gangwon FC, Chengdu Rongcheng, and Buriram United. The race to finish in the top eight of the 12-team league phase remains fierce, as these teams battle for knockout stage qualification.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Saudi Arabia
The knockout rounds, scheduled to begin in March, will see the best eight teams from both West and East Asia progress. The climax of the tournament—quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final—will be hosted in a centralized venue in Saudi Arabia later in April, setting the stage for high-stakes football action.
