Naegohyang - who breezed through the preliminary stage scoring 23 goals without reply - were given a stark reminder just how different the group stage would be as they went behind after five minutes.

Tokyo Verdy grabbed the opener with their first attack of the game, Shino Matsuda found space in the box with her cross cum shot palmed by Kim Kyong Rim into the path of 2024/25 Top Scorer Yuzuho Shiokoshi, who had the simplest of tap-ins.

Naegohyang were facing difficulties playing their way into the final third with Tokyo Verdy keeping a compact shape but did have a long range effort from Pak Ye Gyong in the 33rd minute which goalkeeper Shu Ohba dived at full stretch to save.

There was a chance for Tokyo Verdy to double their advantage three minutes later after Yuna Aoki released Rikako Kobayashi into the box but Kyong Rim made a smart stop to keep the score intact.

Naegohyang went close to drawing level on 51 minutes after a flowing move from Kim Kyong Yong to Ri Su Jong - whose cross to the middle found Choe Kum Uk but the forward put too much power into her effort as the ball sailed high over the bar.

Tokyo Verdy’s incisive play put them further ahead eight minutes later, a clever turn and pass from Hiwatari found Miharu Shinjo in the box with the 18-year-old midfielder calmly picking out the bottom corner with a low shot.

The Japanese side were in a buoyant mood, adding the third in the 65th minute after Hiwatari got away from Ri Sin Ok’s sliding challenge in the box before smashing the ball between Kyong Rim and the near post.

Hiwatari put the seal on a wonderful Tokyo Verdy performance with her second 10 minutes later as the Japanese side showcased their title credentials in style.