Vissel Kobe Advances to AFC Champions League Semi-Finals

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Japan's Vissel Kobe has secured a place in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite after a nail-biting 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout against Qatar's Al Sadd, following a gripping 3-3 draw at Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah.

The quarter-final, part of the centralized knockout stage, showcased exhilarating action from the start. Al Sadd took an early lead with Rafa Mujica scoring in the 6th minute. However, Vissel Kobe quickly answered back, equalizing with Yuya Osako's goal in the 24th minute.

In the second half, Al Sadd rallied as Mujica netted his second in the 61st minute, followed by Roberto Firmino extending the Qatari team's lead just four minutes later, placing them in a commanding position.

Vissel Kobe refused to back down, with Yosuke Ideguchi narrowing the gap in the 74th minute, setting up a tense finale. In a dramatic twist, Yoshinori Muto scored a late equalizer in stoppage time, pushing the match into extra time.

With neither team scoring in the extra 30 minutes, the match proceeded to penalties. Vissel Kobe kept their composure during the shootout, successfully converting to win 5-4, making them the first team to reach the semifinals.

The quarter-final slate continues this Friday with Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli facing Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim, and Japan's Machida Zelvia competing against Al Ittihad. The stage will wrap up on Saturday with Shabab Al Ahli taking on Thailand's Buriram United.