Vissel Kobe snatched a dramatic 1-0 win at the death against Melbourne City in the AFC Champions League Elite League Phase East clash at NOEVIR Stadium Kobe, courtesy of a clinical finish from Koya Yuruki in the 94th minute. The late goal sent the home fans into raptures and propelled Kobe to a perfect six points from two matches in Group Stage play.

Both sides arrived with points to prove—Kobe aiming to cement their status as J-League’s reigning champions, while Melbourne City sought redemption after a disappointing group opener. The hosts, clad in their traditional maroon, rotated their starting XI under boss Takayuki Yoshida, a move that suggested both tactical flexibility and confidence in squad depth.

Throughout a tense first half, clear chances were scarce. Melbourne City carved out a handful of early forays, notably a scrambled effort following a set piece, but Kobe’s disciplined back line—marshaled by the experienced Hotaru Yamaguchi—repelled the danger. The visitors nearly gifted Kobe an opener midway through the half, as Brazilian midfielder Jean Patric pounced on a poor clearance, unleashing a speculative effort just over the bar, sending a ripple of anticipation through the stadium.

As the match wore on, Kobe increasingly dominated possession, forcing City deeper, but the Australian side’s compact defense, anchored by captain Curtis Good, held firm. City’s best spell came on the break, with winger Marin Jakolis stretching the Kobe backline on a pair of promising counters, though none resulted in a clear shot on goal.

The contest seemed destined for a stalemate until the dramatic final act. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Melbourne City—frustrated in their attempt to hold on for a valuable away point—succumbed to relentless Kobe pressure. A deft interchange just outside the box found Yuruki in space, and the midfielder slotted home with composure, the ball nestling into the bottom corner and sparking wild celebrations among the home faithful.

Vissel Kobe’s victory not only cements their early momentum in the AFC Champions League Elite group stage but also underscores their growing reputation as clutch performers on Asia’s biggest stage. Melbourne City, meanwhile, are left to rue lapses in concentration and face an uphill battle to reignite their campaign.

The result leaves Vissel Kobe tied atop the group with six points from two matches, while Melbourne City remain rooted at the bottom without a point, facing mounting pressure to turn their fortunes around as the competition intensifies.

Key Moment:

• Koya Yuruki’s goal (90’+4): Clinical stoppage-time finish that broke the deadlock and defined the match.

Standout Performers:

• Koya Yuruki (Vissel Kobe): Match-winner, relentless work rate.
• Curtis Good (Melbourne City): Marshaled defense, kept Kobe at bay until the final moments.

With another pulsating chapter written at NOEVIR Stadium, Kobe’s ambitions grow ever larger, while Melbourne City’s Asian adventure hangs in delicate balance as the group phase unfolds.