KOBE, Japan (Dec. 9, 2025) (Interstat) — Vissel Kobe and China’s Cheng Rongcheng opened their AFC Champions League campaigns with a 2-2 draw Tuesday at NOEVIR Stadium Kobe.

The home side took an early lead when forward Yoshinori Mutō scored in the 18th minute. Cheng Rongcheng substitute Felipe Sousa equalized just before halftime in the 45th+1 minute. Sousa scored again in the second half to put the visitors ahead, but Vissel Kobe midfielder Daiju Sasaki netted a late goal to salvage the draw.

The result defied pre-game projections that heavily favored Vissel Kobe. Four yellow cards were issued in a tense second half. Both clubs now hold identical records of zero wins, zero losses and one draw in the competition.