Vissel Kobe Edging Closer to J.League Title with Sasaki’s Double Strike
Daiju Sasaki’s remarkable brace propelled Vissel Kobe one step closer to securing their maiden J.League title. The Saturday showdown saw Kobe triumph 3-1 against Kashima Antlers, captivating the 53,444-strong audience at the National Stadium in Tokyo. This victory ensures Takayuki Yoshida’s squad maintains a four-point lead over Yokohama F Marinos with just four games left in the current campaign. Meanwhile, the defending champions, Marinos, displayed their prowess with a convincing 4-1 win over Consadole Sapporo. Urawa Red Diamonds secured their place in third position, holding their ground with a 2-0 win against Kashiwa Reysol on Friday.
Beijing Guoan Upsets Shanghai Port’s Chinese Super League Title Celebration
Shanghai Port’s aspirations of clinching the Chinese Super League title were delayed when Javier Pereira’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Beijing Guoan. A win would have secured Port their first title since 2018, but goals from Wang Gang and Fabio Abreu, who converted a penalty, catapulted Beijing into the lead. Despite Wu Lei’s late strike, the home team managed to retain their advantage. In the meantime, Shandong Taishan inched within five points of the leaders with two games remaining in the season, following their resounding 3-0 win over Changchun Yatai.
Central Coast Mariners Start A-League Title Defense with a Loss
Central Coast Mariners began their A-League title defense with a 3-0 defeat against Adelaide United, as Melbourne Victory celebrated a 2-0 victory against their rivals, Sydney FC. Ben Halloran, Zach Clough, and Nick Ansell netted the goals that sealed the Mariners’ initial loss of the season at Hindmarsh Stadium. Despite the setback, Coach Jackson expressed confidence in his young, ambitious squad, emphasizing their determination to progress and secure wins as the season unfolds. He noted, “I fully believe we’re on the right track, even though it’s early.”
Ulsan Hyundai’s K-League Lead Narrows After Gwangju Loss
Ulsan Hyundai’s struggles continued on Saturday as the reigning K-League champions succumbed to a 1-0 loss against third-placed Gwangju FC. The defeat saw their lead diminish to eight points, with four games left in the season. Ulsan, led by Hong Myung-bo, are currently winless in their last four games across all competitions, with Lee Kun-hee’s 88th-minute strike securing Gwangju’s victory. Pohang Steelers, occupying the second position, inched closer to the league summit with a 1-1 draw against Incheon United. Jeonbuk Motors enhanced their prospects of securing a top-three finish with a 2-1 win over Daegu FC.
Aleksandar Mitrovic Extends Al-Hilal’s Lead in Saudi Pro League
In a pivotal clash, Al-Hilal stretched their lead to three points at the summit of the Saudi Pro League. Aleksandar Mitrovic emerged as the hero, capitalizing on a 30th-minute header when the Al-Khaleej defense failed to clear a corner. Mitrovic’s precision proved decisive as Al-Hilal clinched a 1-0 win over Al-Khaleej. This victory elevated Al-Hilal to 26 points, placing them three points ahead of Al-Tawoon, who settled for a 1-1 draw against reigning champions Al-Ittihad. Al-Nassr currently stands third following their 2-1 win against Damak.
