HIROSHIMA, Japan (Interstat) — S’frecce Hiroshima opened its AFC Champions League campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over South Korea’s Gangwon FC on Tuesday, a result that defied a chaotic finish and a numerical disadvantage at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima.

The match, decided by a 63rd-minute goal from forward Katō Mutsuki, was a tense, physical affair that saw both teams finish with 10 men after a flurry of second-half disciplinary actions. The win gives Hiroshima a perfect start in the continental competition, moving their tournament record to one win and no losses, while Gangwon begins its campaign with one loss and no wins.

The game’s decisive moment was a product of persistent pressure from the Japanese side. After a first half characterized by stout defending and few clear chances, Hiroshima broke through just after the hour mark. The goal was a team effort, with substitutes Marko Tući and Lee Youhyeon, along with defender Naoto Arai and midfielder Hayao Kawabe, all credited with an assist on the play that found Katō for the simple finish.

The assist for Tući was a bright spot in an otherwise ill-disciplined performance from the visitors, who struggled to create meaningful offensive threats throughout the match. Hiroshima’s defense, marshaled effectively for most of the night, limited Gangwon to zero goals, securing a clean sheet despite late drama.

That drama unfolded rapidly following the goal. The physical tone of the match, which had already seen yellow cards shown to Hiroshima’s Arai in the 22nd minute and Sasaki in the 61st, escalated significantly. Just three minutes after the goal, Gangwon’s Lee Youhyeon was booked. The situation deteriorated further in the 69th minute when Hiroshima defender Shō Sasaki received his second yellow card of the match, resulting in a red card and forcing the home side to play the final 20-plus minutes with 10 men.

The numerical advantage for Gangwon was short-lived. In the same minute as Sasaki’s dismissal, Gangwon’s Tući was shown a yellow card. The visitors’ bench was also penalized, with Gangwon manager Michael Skibbe receiving a yellow card in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time. Hiroshima’s Kawabe joined him in the book a minute earlier, highlighting the fractious end to the contest. Despite being a man down, Hiroshima managed the game effectively, seeing out the victory and denying Gangwon an equalizer.

The result will be seen as a measure of vindication for S’frecce Hiroshima, who entered the match as slight favorites. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Hiroshima was projected with a 52.60 percent probability to win. The final score also bucked the pre-game simulation from Interstat, which had projected a 1-1 draw.

For Hiroshima, the victory provides a positive start both in the AFC Champions League and across all competitions, now standing at one win and no losses overall. The team demonstrated resilience, securing three points despite the late red card. For Gangwon, the loss leaves them searching for their first positive result of the season in all competitions, now holding a record of zero wins and one loss. Their inability to capitalize on a late man-advantage will be a particular point of concern.

The match will be remembered for its combative finish and the single moment of quality that separated the two sides, with Katō Mutsuki’s goal proving enough for S’frecce Hiroshima to claim all three points in their Group Stage opener.