AFC Champions League Elite - Preview: Vissel Kobe (JPN) v Chengdu Rongcheng FC (CHN)

Vissel: Vissel Kobe could become the first East Zone team to confirm their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/25™ Round of 16 spot with victory over Chengdu Rongcheng FC on Tuesday.

The Japanese side - who finished fifth in the J1 League after having won the previous two titles - will head into the tie with a three-point advantage at the top of the standings and will advance with victory and if results elsewhere go their way.

Vissel Kobe, after having relinquished their domestic title and suffering heartbreak in the Emperor's Cup final against FC Machida Zelvia, responded magnificently by beating China PR's Shanghai Shenhua FC on Matchday Five

It was the fourth victory of their campaign and Vissel Kobe will not be lacking confidence against Chengdu, having won five of their seven meetings against sides from China in the competition, including the last two.

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They will, however, have to be wary of a wounded Chengdu side who may find themselves out of the running for the next stage if they suffer defeat on Tuesday.

On five points, Chengdu have struggled on the continental stage with no team having a lower passing accuracy rate in the tournament than their 75.5 percent.

In fact, they attempted just 321 passes in their Matchday Five tie against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, their lowest in a single game this season.

Vissel Kobe (JPN) v Chengdu Rongcheng FC (CHN)
Venue: Kobe City Misaki Park Stadium (Kobe)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:00 (UTC+9)

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