“In general, we tried to play our way and focused on playing high pressure defence where we always have someone covering,” said Yoshida. “We had to control our mentality a lot today and the players did it”

The win ended Gwangju’s perfect start to the tournament, but Yoshida acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents.

“Gwangju gave us a tough match, so it was clear that they had done their homework on us. We also did our own analysis and adjusted well to all the changes on the pitch and that’s how we managed to win the game.

“Luckily, the plan is going as we wanted but we aren’t sure yet how many points we need to qualify for the knockout round, so we have to maintain our focus.” 

Gwangju head coach Lee Jung-hyo conceded that his team lost to superior opponents.

 

“I realise why Kobe are the team that are at the top of the J1 League. They are a very good team,” said Lee. “However, unless we face them in a match, it won't help the players' development."

“To be honest, if we play against them 10 times, we will probably lose all 10 times. Even if we lose, we should gain something. I think the players felt that strongly in today's match.”

Tournament debutants Gwangju will aim to bounce back when they face China PR’s Shanghai Shenhua on Matchday Five, with Kobe playing Central Coast Mariners of Australia.