Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Suwon: Two goals from Leandro handed Kashiwa Reysol a 3-2 win over Korea Republic’s Suwon Samsung in the first leg of their AFC Champions League last 16 first leg at Suwon World Cup Stadium on Tuesday as the J.League side took a huge step towards the quarter-finals.
Akimi Barada was also on target in a thrilling tie as Kashiwa recovered from an early Yeom Ki-hun strike.
And despite Jong Tae-se pulling a goal back for the home side, 2013 semi-finalists Kashiwa will look to confirm their return to the last eight in next week’s second leg in Japan.
Yoshida wants Reysol to stay focused after win over Suwon
Seo laments Suwon's defensive errors against Kashiwa
Video highlights
Suwon had enjoyed a dream start with barely two minutes on the clock as Seo Jung-jin found Jong on the left side, and after the striker broke free of Kim Chang-soo's attention, managed to send a low cross into the edge of the six yard area where Yeom was on hand to poke home past goalkeeper Takanori Sugeno.
But the goal spurred Kashiwa into action and it was no surprise when the visitors equalised just 10 minutes later as Brazilian Cristiano split the Suwon defence with a delightful curling pass with the outside of his foot for Barada, who fired a low shot past exposed goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong from just inside the penalty area.
And after 28 minutes Kashiwa took the lead as Yang Sang-min was adjudged to have bundled over Kosuke Taketomi as the pair challenged for a header inside the area and Jung was unable to save Leandro's penalty.
Kashiwa further extended their lead 10 minutes after the restart with a goal of beautiful simplicity as Cristiano broke free down the right and his low inswinging cross evaded two Suwon defenders for Leandro to sweep home.
Suwon, though, created a goal out of nothing just two minutes later as Yeom was given space on the left side of the Kashiwa half and the former Korea Republic international curled a delightful cross onto the head of Jong and the DPR Korea striker made no mistake from close range.
And Suwon spent the last 30 minutes piling the pressure on with Brazilian substitute Leo missing three excellent opportunities to equalise but Kashiwa held firm to maintain their slender advantage.
Photo: WSG