Gangwon FC vs Vissel Kobe Match Recap - Oct 22, 2025

Gangwon FC Emerges Victorious in Thrilling 4-3 Shootout Against Vissel Kobe

In a match filled with twists and turns, Gangwon FC pulled off a remarkable comeback victory against Vissel Kobe at Chuncheon Songam Stadium, finishing with a sensational 4-3 scoreline on October 22, 2025. The excitement of the AFC Champions League clash left fans breathless as Gangwon's attacking resilience shone through, challenging pre-match predictions that favorably leaned toward Kobe.

Prior to kickoff, the narrative seemed clear: with Vissel Kobe positioned at the top of their group and enjoying a confident run, Gangwon's recent struggles appeared ominous. Having secured only one win in their last five matches, the home team needed not just a victory but a statement. Mo Jae-Hyeon, whose earlier performances sparked debate over his ability to lead the line, finally found his moment, scoring early in the match, a feat that seemed unlikely given Gangwon's recent form.

The game burst to life when Lee Sang-Heon opened the scoring for Gangwon in the 7th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Vissel Kobe. The momentum swung further when Mo Jae-Hyeon doubled the lead in the 21st minute, solidifying his place as a central figure in this dramatic encounter. Just before halftime, Song Jun-Seok added a third for the hosts, sending Gangwon into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead, a situation that would have seemed implausible just weeks ago.

But Vissel Kobe, buoyed by their reputation and tenacity, roared back just after the break. Taisei Miyashiro, demonstrating remarkable poise, found the back of the net within three minutes of the restart, igniting a spark in his side. Just two minutes later, Jean Patrick struck again for Kobe, leveling the match at 3-3 and turning the tide of momentum. This stormy phase showcased the depth and attacking quality that had made Kobe the group leaders prior to this match.

As the clock ticked toward the final whistle, the match continued to unfold with palpable tension. It was in the dying moments that Gangwon's Kim Gun-Hee emerged as a hero, scoring what would be the match-winner in the 90th minute, only for Gangwon's Mo Jae-Hyeon to receive a red card shortly after, setting up a dramatic finale. The score, now 4-3 in favor of Gangwon, left Vissel Kobe pressing for an equalizer, but the home side held firm against the attacking waves.

This nail-biting victory brought Gangwon FC to seventh place in the standings, now with 4 points, while Vissel Kobe remains at the top with 7 points but faces a more precarious position after this unexpected loss. For Gangwon, the win serves as a much-needed morale boost, affirming their ability to compete under pressure and dispelling the narrative of being "also-rans" in the group.

Moving forward, both teams face crucial matches that will determine their fates in the Champions League. Gangwon must build on this momentum to forge a path toward advancement, while Vissel Kobe will need to rally quickly to maintain their position at the summit and stave off challengers eager to capitalize on any slip-ups. In a season where every point counts, today's outcome underscores the unpredictable nature of knockout football-proof that anything can happen under the stadium lights.