Preview: Vissel Kobe vs. Cheng Rongcheng in AFC Champions League

KOBE, Japan (Interstat) — Vissel Kobe looks to rebound from a domestic setback when it hosts China’s Cheng Rongcheng in an AFC Champions League World stage match on Tuesday.

The Japanese side enters the contest following a 2-0 loss to Kyoto Sanga in the J-League on Saturday. That result snapped a strong continental and domestic run for Vissel Kobe, which had won four of its previous five matches across all competitions, including three straight clean sheets in the Champions League.

Key victories over Shanghai Shenhua (2-0), Ulsan (1-0) and Melbourne City (1-0) have positioned Vissel Kobe favorably in the tournament. Their attack, led by former Barcelona star Andrés Iniesta, has been potent in Asia, scoring three goals in matches against Shanghai Haigang and Gangwon.

Cheng Rongcheng arrives after a 1-1 home draw with Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Nov. 25. The Chinese Super League club has struggled for consistency in the group stage, with a record of one win, two draws and two losses in its last five Champions League outings.

Their lone victory in that span was a 1-0 home result against South Korea’s Gangwon on Sept. 30. Cheng Rongcheng has found goals hard to come away from home, being shut out in draws at Seoul (0-0) and a loss at Ulsan (2-1).

Despite Vissel Kobe’s recent form, Interstat’s game simulator projects an upset, favoring Cheng Rongcheng 2-1 on Tuesday.

The match is a crucial fixture in the final round of group play, with both teams eyeing advancement. Vissel Kobe will conclude group play in February with home and away matches against Seoul and Johor Darul Ta’zim FC, respectively. Cheng Rongcheng will finish its group stage next February against Buriram United and FC Machida Zelvia.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. local time at Noevir Stadium Kobe.