Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kashiwa: Junya Ito’s second half strike ensured Japan’s Kashiwa Reysol ended a run of five continental games without a win after a 1-0 victory against Hong Kong champions Kitchee SC in Group E on Tuesday.
After a first half of few clear-cut chances, with the visitors’ diligent defending restricting the Kashiwa attack, substitute Ito made an impact on the tie just 10 minutes after his introduction in the 56th minute.
Masashi Kamekawa worked himself into space on the left flank before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross which Ito stabbed home at the far post, after evading his marker.
The J.League club’s advantage could have been doubled with just eight minutes remaining when Cristiano latched onto Ramon Lopes’ headed pass but Guo Jianqiao’s fine save saw the Brazilian’s effort turned behind.
Having seen a similar scoreline slip through their grasp on Matchday Two against Tianjin Quanjian after a late Alexandre Pato equaliser, this time Kashiwa were able to see out the result; and stay in contention for a place in the Round of 16 at the midway stage.
Kitchee, meanwhile, remain without a point so far in their debut AFC Champions League campaign but will have another chance when they host the return leg against Kashiwa at Hong Kong Stadium next week.