SUITA, Japan (Interstat) — Vissel Kobe continued its dominant run in the Emperor Cup, defeating S’frecce Hiroshima 2-0 on Sunday behind a first-half goal from Katsuya Nagato to advance in the tournament.

The match, played at Panasonic Stadium Suita, saw the home side assert control early and never relinquish it, extending their perfect record in the competition to eight wins against zero losses. Hiroshima, which entered the contest with a strong 4-1 record in the cup, was shut out for the second time in its last three matches across all competitions.

Nagato broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, giving Vissel Kobe a lead they would carry into halftime. The goal set the tone for a match where Vissel Kobe’s defense consistently stifled Hiroshima’s attacking efforts.

The victory reinforces Vissel Kobe’s status as a formidable force this season. The team now holds an overall record of 37 wins, 17 losses and 13 draws across all competitions. Their performance defied the pregame projection from Interstat, whose game simulator had forecast a 1-1 draw. However, the result aligned with the same outlet’s ELO system, which had given Vissel Kobe an 87.50 percent probability to win.

For S’frecce Hiroshima, the loss is a setback in their cup campaign and continues a pattern of frustration against this particular opponent. This marks the third consecutive head-to-head meeting in which Vissel Kobe has defeated Hiroshima by a 1-0 scoreline, with previous victories coming on Aug. 20 and July 2 of this year. Hiroshima’s overall season record now stands at 30 wins, 18 losses and 18 draws.

The game’s outcome was indicative of recent form. Vissel Kobe entered the match unbeaten in its last five outings across all competitions, a run that includes a 3-0 victory over Shanghai Port in continental play and a 4-0 rout of Tokyo Verdy. Hiroshima, meanwhile, was coming off a strong 3-0 win over Urawa Reds on Nov. 8 but had suffered a 3-0 loss to Yokohama F Marinos in its match prior to that.

Looking ahead, both teams return to league play on Nov. 30. S’frecce Hiroshima will travel to face Kawasaki Frontale in the J1 League, while Vissel Kobe will host FC Tokyo. Their next cup fixtures are scheduled for Dec. 6, with Hiroshima hosting Shonan Bellmare and Vissel Kobe traveling to face Kyoto Sanga.