“We knew the game was going to be tough, especially with the humidity but we were able to win 3-0, so I’m happy with the performance,” said Yoshida.

“The opening goal was a super goal but after that we were able to hold a good tempo and control the game. Then in the second half, we were able to shut down the opponents so overall, it’s a very good result to share with the traveling fans.”

The Vissel head coach’s joy also extended to the flexibility shown by his charges in ensuring that they weren’t taken by surprise by Port’s defensive changes.

“Our style is always to be aggressive in both the attacking and defensive actions, which is what we tried to apply today according to how we prepared.

“Shanghai usually play with a back four but today they used a five back, maybe as an adjustment to us tactically, however, we are used to facing such situations domestically hence why we were able to cope.”

While starting with a defeat wasn’t ideal, Port head coach Kevin Muscat viewed the game from a wider perspective and believed that performance wasn’t the cause for the loss but it was down to flashes of brilliance from the Japanese side.

“I’m happy with the players and performance tonight,” said Muscat. “They worked hard and kept fighting.

“In the decisive moments in the game, we conceded goals to the individual qualities of the opponents and that made it difficult to overcome. We have to accept the result and prepare for the next one.”

Vissel will host Australia’s Melbourne City FC next on October 1 while Port have a daunting trip to face Sanfrecce Hiroshima of Japan a day earlier.