The former Sanfrecce Hiroshima tactician, who took over at Kobe in December, saw his team go behind to a Rafa Mujica strike in the sixth minute only for Yuya Osako to equalise 18 minutes later.

Two goals in four second-half minutes by Mujica and Roberto Firmino looked to have won the tie for Al Sadd but Kobe battled back, with Yusuke Ideguchi scoring in the 74th minute before Muto headed in with virtually the last touch of regular time.

Maekawa then kept his team in the contest before Al Sadd’s Brazilian playmaker Claudinho skied his penalty while all five Kobe takers converted to take Vissel into the last four for only the second time in the club’s history.

“It was a very tough match especially because in the first 15, 20 minutes we showed too much respect to the opponent,” said Skibbe. “We were not playing well.

“After that we were doing much better and we got lucky by scoring in the last minute the third goal, so we had another 30 minutes. In this our goalkeeper made two or three saves.

“Usually the first team to miss a penalty will not win, so I’m very happy with the performance after the first 20 minutes.”

Muto’s equaliser was key to Kobe remaining in the competition and the former Newcastle United striker was revelling in leading his team into the semi-finals.

“I’m now 33 and I’ve travelled to many clubs and many countries but this is definitely one of the highlights of my career,” he said.

“Of course there are some parts of the game where I wasn’t fully convincing even though I scored a goal, but there are many positives I can take from this.

“I’m very happy I’m playing I Kobe. We’re focused on winning the title and we’re going to do our best to achieve this.”