Vissel Kobe’s challenging start to the 2025 J1 League season continued on March 1st, when they faced Avispa Fukuoka at their home ground, Noevir Stadium. The reigning champions succumbed to their fourth consecutive match without victory, losing 0-1 to the visitors, which marks their first defeat of the season.
Under the bright, tense lights of the stadium, Vissel Kobe came to this match hoping to break their winless streak. They had drawn their first three matches, leaving fans understandably anxious. Injuries to key players, including last season's MVP and former Japan international Yuya Osako, who started on the bench, added to the pressure. For Vissel, the tumultuous start to the league and the demanding schedule, including participation in the AFC Champions League, seemed to take its toll.
The match opened dramatically with Fukuoka taking the initiative. Avispa's early pressure saw them create several opportunities, and by the 40th minute, their persistence paid off. Forward Nassim Ben Khalifa’s shot was deflected off Vissel Carolina's goalkeeper, handing the ball right to teammate Tomoya Miiki, who quickly knocked it across the line. Initially ruled as Ben Khalifa’s goal, it was later marked as an own goal by the Vissel defense, sending Fukuoka to the break with a one-goal lead.
After halftime, Vissel Kōbe made aggressive changes. Osako entered the game, along with promising 17-year-old midfielder Kento Hamazaki, who was making his first J-League start and had drawn significant attention from fans and the media alike. Amid their efforts to find the equalizer, Vissel struggled to break through Fukuoka’s defenses.
Despite having made key substitutions, including the introduction of defensive reinforcement with Mateus Tuler and midfielder Takahiro Ogihara, time worked against Kobe. Their opportunities dwindled as they found themselves facing strong counterplays from Fukuoka. Things shifted significantly when Fukuoka’s defender, Takumi Ueshima, received a red card for two yellow cards just after the 75-minute mark.
Now with the numerical advantage, Vissel intensified their efforts. Yuya Osako had the best chance to score, making a run close to the box, but his shot went wide, leaving fans only to sigh at yet another missed opportunity. Despite their all-out efforts, they could not find the back of the net before the final whistle blew.
This 0-1 scoreline marked Avispa Fukuoka's first victory this season, and for Vissel Kobe, it was not only the first loss but also the first time they failed to capitalize on their home turf since the previous season. This defeat extends their frustrating run, leaving them winless so far and prompting serious questions about how they will respond moving forward.
"God’s delight is shining down on us," said Avispa Fukuoka's coach Kiyoshi Kanemaki post-match, reflecting on their hard-fought victory. Several fans and analysts have begun to wonder if Vissel can get back on track before desperation sets fully in.
The concerns for Vissel Kobe are loud and clear—the fans expected to see fighting champions, but instead, they are witnessing early signs of distress. Their title defense hinges on how quickly they can recover and adapt to their complicated schedule filled with injuries and intense competition. All eyes will be on their next fixture as the pressure mounts for the once dominant squad.
With the opening rounds of the J1 League showing significant variability, it remains to be seen how Vissel Kobe will adjust. Only time will tell if they can flip the narrative and regain their form or if they will spiral as their early season woes continue to haunt them.