Vissel Kobe finally broke their winless streak this season with a remarkable performance against Shonan Bellmare, defeating them 2-1 on March 16, 2025, at Lemon Gas Stadium Hiratsuka. The match marked Vissel Kobe's first victory after five consecutive games without winning, greatly relieved their players and fans.
The game started with both teams testing each other, but it was Vissel Kobe's new forward, Eriki, who drew first blood. He scored his first goal of the match twenty-four minutes in, capitalizing on a free kick situation. The ball fell to him perfectly, and he struck it at lightning speed with his right foot, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. This early strike not only set the tone for the match but also laid the groundwork for Vissel Kobe's much-needed momentum.
Just thirteen minutes later, Eriki showcased his skills again, doubling the team's lead at the thirty-seventh minute. After receiving a precise pass from his teammate, Daiju Miyashiro, he made a deft run before expertly lifting the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper. Vissel Kobe appeared to be dominating the match, heading to the halftime break with a solid 2-0 advantage.
Shonan Bellmare wasn't ready to give up without a fight. The momentum shifted slightly after the break when Lucão converted a header from a corner kick six minutes after the restart, bringing the score to 2-1. The goal put pressure back on Vissel Kobe, as Shonan Bellmare sought to equalize.
Despite the mounting pressure, Vissel Kobe held their ground. Coach Takayuki Yoshida praised his players for their determination and resilience during the post-match interview, emphasizing the importance of winning the "three points". He stated, "It was necessary to secure these points, and I commend the players for their hard work. We maintained aggressive pressure early on and managed to create scoring opportunities. The game went as I envisioned for the most part." Yoshida also reflected on the defensive struggles they faced but was pleased with their ability to contain Shonan late in the game, managing to prevent any additional goals.
This match was pivotal for Vissel Kobe, especially coming just three days after their disappointing exit from the AFC Champions League. The team had been feeling the weight of expectations as they aimed to bounce back after such setbacks. Their newly acquired forward, Eriki, is now seen as a beacon of hope for this season. His performance against Shonan has solidified his place as a key player moving forward.
Eriki expressed his gratitude after the match, attributing his success to the hard work of the coaches and staff: "Thanks to the perfect job done by the coach and staff, we can continue this way to have good games. If we keep this up, we will build on this success.” His remarks highlighted the collaborative effort necessary for the team's performance, emphasizing unity and confidence.
On the broader scale, this victory serves as Vissel Kobe's first league win this season, following their prior struggles and the mounting pressure from fans and critics alike. The encouraging performance not only lifts the team's spirits but also bolsters their confidence as they move forward. With their next matches lined up, the players and coaching staff will surely be eager to capitalize on the momentum gained from this victory.
Looking ahead, Vissel Kobe's home game, sponsored by Rakuten on April 6, 2025, promises to be another opportunity to impress their fans at home alongside the Rakuten Eagles, who also play shortly after. Fans will be watching closely to see if this win marks the beginning of a turnaround for Vissel Kobe.
With the season still young, consistency will be key for the team as they aim to climb the J1 league standings. The focus for Vissel Kobe will remain on adaptability and resilience, embodying the fighting spirit displayed against Shonan Bellmare. Can they turn this winless streak around and challenge for higher placements? The answer will reveal itself as the season progresses, and the players will need to channel this newfound energy as they take on their upcoming challenges.