Vissel Kobe achieved a significant victory over Guangzhou FC on March 5, 2025, triumphing 2-0 at Noevir Stadium during the first leg of the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) Round of 16. This match marked Kobe's return to form after struggling to find victories, with the club enduring five winless games leading up to this encounter.
The match began with energy as Kobe opted for a refreshed strategy, making six changes since their last league game against Avispa Fukuoka, where they faced defeat. Among those alterations was the inclusion of forward Osako Yuya, who played a pivotal role, and the return of Miyashiro Daisei to the bench after recovering from injury.
Early on, Kobe pressed forward, with Iino Nanase attempting to strike at the goal. Although his effort was thwarted by Guangzhou's goalkeeper Kim Kyung-min, the home team didn’t let the missed shot deter their momentum. The breakthrough came only twenty minutes after the kick-off, thanks to a corner from Sasaki Daiju. Ide Haruya expertly connected with the ball, only for it to rebound off the crossbar. Osako, ever alert, seized the opportunity to head the ball home, putting Kobe 1-0 up.
Just nine minutes later, Ide added to the tally when he deftly headed Osako's cross to secure Kobe's second goal. This extended their lead to 2-0, bolstering their confidence and enabling them to control the game against the visiting team, Guangzhou.
Despite the two-goal cushion, Kobe faced intense pressure from Guangzhou, especially as they tried to stage a comeback. The Korean side, which had earlier showcased impressive attacking play through their top scorer Yassir Assani, fought hard to cut through Kobe's defense. Still, Kobe's stratagem held firm, skillfully managing the clock and the scoreline.
Kobe’s head coach, Yoshida, acknowledged the weight of the match post-game, reflecting on the crowd’s support even during difficult times, saying, "Originally, everyone would want to boo during such games. But since there is the ACLE, they sent us off with applause. We will definitely maintain our condition." His statements rang true as Kobe clung on to their two-goal lead without conceding.
This win has renewed hopes for the team as they prepare for the second leg of the knockout stage, which will take place on March 12 at the Guangzhou World Cup Stadium. With the prospect of advancing to the quarter-finals on the line, Kobe's players and management are gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
Despite their recent struggles, including injuries among key players like DF Mateus Thuler and the absence of both FW Muto Yoshinori and DF Sakai due to injuries, the team showed resilience and determination. This bold performance has not just provided rewards on the field but also breathed new life and morale to the supporters.
With so much at stake, this match serves as both redemption and motivation for Vissel Kobe as they strive for glory on the Asian stage. Their solid footing from this game sets the stage for what fans hope will be the turning point of their season.