AFC Champions League Elite - Skibbe applauds keeper Gonda after nervy Vissel win

Thammasat: Michael Skibbe reserved special praise for goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda following Vissel Kobe’s hard-fought 2-1 win against Port FC in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ opener on Wednesday.

Yoshinori Muto scored the winner just after the hour mark after Ren Komatsu had given the Japanese side a 10th minute lead, only to deflect Issam Al Sabhi’s header in first half stoppage time past his own goalkeeper for the equaliser at the Thammasat Stadium.

Skibbe admitted that Vissel had survived a tough test against the Thai side.

#ACLElite | Port FC (THA) 1-2 Vissel Kobe (JPN)

“It was a really tough match. We created many chances but couldn't finish them, and in the end, our goalkeeper made some big saves to save us. I'm very satisfied that we were able to win despite such a difficult situation.

“The teams participating in the AFC Champions League Elite are top teams from each country, so it was a difficult match. Port FC have fast players, and they created several dangerous situations for us, and I felt they were a great team.”

Muto, in echoing his coach’s words, said he felt victory was possible despite Port FC’s resilience.

“I felt that the space behind their defence was a weakness, so that was something I was conscious of," said Muto.

“Regardless of the performance, I’m happy that we were able to win in these pitch conditions and the humidity.

“Above all, we wanted to make sure we took three points from the first match, so in terms of the result, it was the best possible outcome.”

Vissel will face Korea Republic champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC next while Port will hope to bounce back against Japan’s Kashiwa Reysol.

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