Gangwon FC's Continental Debut: Hosting Vissel Kobe in AFC Champions League Elite Showdown
On October 22, 2025, Gangwon FC will make its AFC Champions League Elite debut, hosting Japanese J1 League champions Vissel Kobe at Gangneung High1 Arena. This league stage fixture in the East Region is crucial for both teams vying for a knockout stage berth.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This match is part of the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) league stage in the East Region, Asia's premier club football tournament, which was rebranded in 2024 [3, 9]. The 2025-2026 season features 24 top clubs competing in league stages, divided into East and West regions with 12 teams each [3, 9, 12, 15]. Each team plays eight matches (four home and four away) against different clubs within their region, aiming to finish in the top eight to advance to the knockout rounds [12, 24, 27]. For Gangwon FC, making its continental debut in the ACLE, this home game is particularly significant as they seek to prove themselves in front of their home fans [24, 39]. Vissel Kobe, as reigning J. League champions, will look to extend their domestic dominance onto the Asian stage [24]. This Korea-Japan clash is not just a test of strength but will also directly impact both teams' standings in the East Region league [39].
Recent Form
In their last five official matches, hosts Gangwon FC have displayed strong form, remaining unbeaten with three wins and two draws. They secured a 2-1 victory over Shanghai Shenhua in the ACLE on September 16, 2025 [31], followed by a 1-0 win against Suwon FC [17, 31], a 0-0 draw with Daejeon Citizen [17, 31], and a 1-0 win over Chengdu Rongcheng in the K League [31]. Their most recent fixture was a 1-1 draw against FC Anyang on October 5 [17, 28]. Vissel Kobe, on the other hand, have recorded three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five outings. They comprehensively beat Tokyo Verdy 4-0 on September 23 [38], followed by a 2-1 win over Shimizu S-Pulse [38], and a 1-0 victory against Melbourne City in the ACLE on October 1 [38]. However, they suffered a 0-1 defeat to Urawa Red Diamonds in the J1 League on October 4 [38, 43], and drew 0-0 with Kashima Antlers on October 17 [37, 38]. Both teams enter this match with solid domestic and ACLE form, setting the stage for a closely contested encounter.
Key Players & Injury News
Key players for Gangwon FC include striker Lee Sang-heon, who scored 13 goals in the 2024 season [22], midfielder Kim Dae-Won [30], experienced left-back Hong Chul [22], and vice-captain and goalkeeper Lee Gwang-yeon [22]. Forward Vitor Gabriel will also be a threat in attack [30]. Regarding injuries, center-back Bruno Oliveira is currently sidelined with an unknown injury, as of a 2025 Transfermarkt update [45]. Vissel Kobe's attacking prowess is led by Yuya Osako (5-7 J1 League goals this season) [38, 43], Taisei Miyashiro (11-14 goals) [38, 43], and Erik (9-11 goals) [38, 43]. Midfielders Yoshinori Muto and Daiju Sasaki [11, 42], along with defenders Gotoku Sakai and Matheus Thuler [11, 42], are also crucial to the team. Latest injury reports indicate that goalkeeper Shota Arai and midfielder Kento Hamasaki are absent due to extended injuries, as of October 20, 2025 [11, 37].