AFC Champions League Elite
Port lost 2-0 to Yokohama F. Marinos, the second defeat in as many weeks after the 4-0 reverse to Vissel Kobe seven days ago.
The China PR side, however, finished in eighth place to reach the knockout stage.
#ACLElite | Shanghai Port FC (CHN) 0-2 Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN)
“Of course, we still have room for improvement and I believe that we’ll be able to reach where we want to go in time,” said Muscat.
“Three consecutive defeats have not changed my confidence in the team. After all, our opponents in the first three games of 2025 are very strong.
“We will take a day off tomorrow and start preparing for the first round of the new season of the Chinese Super League from Friday. I hope that in the game on Sunday, we can show our real performance.”
Second half goals from Asahi Uenaka and Jun Amano secured Marinos top spot in the East Zone as the Japanese side completed a perfect run since losing their opening match to Gwangju FC on Matchday One.
Six wins without conceding even once make Marinos title contenders with Amano assuring that there will be no complacency from the team as they seek to reach back-to-back Asian finals.
“It was a tough match, but I'm glad I was able to score an additional goal and decide the match,” said Amano. “As F. Marinos, we will have consecutive matches from now on, so I would like to win each one and improve the team even more.”
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