Japan’s Vissel Kobe continue to turn heads in the AFC Champions League Elite group phase, securing a dramatic 1-0 victory over Melbourne City on Wednesday night that keeps their record unblemished after two rounds. Koya Yuruki’s last-gasp heroics in the 94th minute sent the home fans into raptures, while Melbourne City were left to rue a costly lapse in concentration that has left them still searching for their first point in the competition.
The match, played on October 2, 2025, was a tense affair from start to finish. Both sides showed flashes of quality, but it was Kobe’s composure—and a bit of fortune—that ultimately separated the teams. For much of the game, Melbourne City held their own, matching the J-League champions stride for stride and creating several half-chances. Yet, as the clock ticked into stoppage time, a seemingly routine clearance from Vissel Kobe goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda turned into a nightmare for the Australian visitors.
Melbourne’s defense, which had been solid for 93 minutes, failed to deal with Gonda’s long ball. The mix-up allowed Yuruki to pounce, rolling the ball into the empty net and sending Kobe’s supporters into celebration mode. The goal capped off a night where both sides looked determined but struggled to unlock each other’s defenses—until that fateful moment.
After the match, Melbourne City captain Aziz Behich didn’t hide his frustration but found pride in his squad’s efforts. “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,” he said. “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.”
The result keeps Vissel Kobe at the summit of the group standings with six points from two matches, maintaining their perfect start and establishing a two-point cushion over a competitive chasing pack. Melbourne City, on the other hand, remain anchored at the bottom, still without a point after two rounds and with plenty of work to do if they hope to reach the knockout stages.
Elsewhere in the group, the battle for qualification is already heating up. Ulsan HD, twice winners from South Korea, are among three teams sitting on four points after a 1-1 draw with Shanghai Shenhua in China. The match saw Shanghai’s Luis Asue break the deadlock three minutes into the second half, capitalizing on a deflected cross from Joao Teixeira. Ulsan responded with resilience, as Gustav Ludwigson equalized with a composed side-footed volley 15 minutes later, ensuring the spoils were shared.
Ulsan’s campaign began with a victory over Chengdu Rongcheng, underlining their credentials as perennial contenders in this competition. But with only four points from two games, they’ll be eager to keep pace with Kobe in the coming fixtures. Shanghai Shenhua, meanwhile, demonstrated their ability to compete with the group’s heavyweights and will look to build on this result as the league phase unfolds.
The group dynamics are further complicated by the presence of Sanfrecce Hiroshima and FC Seoul, both of whom have also accumulated four points from their opening matches. Sanfrecce, another Japanese powerhouse, and FC Seoul, one of South Korea’s most storied clubs, have shown early promise and are firmly in the hunt for a top-eight finish that would guarantee a spot in the knockout rounds.
Chengdu Rongcheng, Gangwon FC, and Buriram United are each on one point after two games, still well within striking distance but needing to find consistency if they’re to climb the standings. Chengdu, in particular, enjoyed a momentous milestone this week by securing their maiden home victory in the competition—a result that could serve as a springboard for greater things.
In other notable action, Machida Zelvia, making their continental debut, managed to contain Johor Darul Tazim’s attacking threat and remain unbeaten. Their coach, Kuroda, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, noting the discipline and tactical awareness required to neutralize JDT’s forwards. "Draw a fair result for Kuroda, Munoz," read one report, highlighting the mutual respect between the two sides after a hard-fought encounter.
FC Seoul’s recent win over Buriram United drew praise from midfielder Choi, who credited his teammates for their collective effort. "Choi hails teammates after FC Seoul pass Buriram test," the headlines read, as Seoul look to build momentum in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive group.
Meanwhile, in the west zone, Shabab Al Ahli earned plaudits for an outstanding display against Al Ittihad. Sousa, their manager, was quick to recognize his squad’s performance, stating, "Shabab Al Ahli were outstanding." Results like these underscore the unpredictable nature of the AFC Champions League Elite, where established giants and ambitious newcomers alike are vying for continental glory.
With the top eight teams from both the west and east Asia 12-team league phases set to advance to the knockout rounds in March 2026, every point is precious. The stakes are rising with each matchday, and the margins for error are razor-thin. For Vissel Kobe, the dream of a deep run is very much alive, fueled by their perfect start and the confidence that comes with late-game heroics. For Melbourne City, the challenge is clear: regroup, learn from the heartbreak, and fight for redemption in the matches ahead.
As the dust settles on another dramatic round of AFC Champions League Elite action, fans across Asia are left eagerly anticipating what’s next. Will Vissel Kobe’s momentum carry them all the way to the knockout stages? Can Melbourne City bounce back from successive setbacks? And which of the chasing pack will emerge as serious contenders as the group phase rolls on?
One thing’s certain: with late goals, surprise results, and no shortage of passion, the road to continental supremacy promises plenty more twists and turns before March arrives. The tournament’s narrative is far from settled, and every team still has everything to play for.
