A deadly remontada brings down the dam and gives Vissel Kobe passage to the semi-finals

Vissel Kobe's team booked its place in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League for the Elite, following its exciting victory over Al Sadd on penalties with a score of (5-4), after the end of regular and extra time in a draw (3-3), in a dramatic confrontation hosted by Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium.

The match started with a fast pace from both sides, as Rafa Mujica opened the scoring early for Al Sadd in the 6th minute, before Vissel Kobe responded quickly through Yuya. Osako in the 24th minute, and the first half ended in a draw (1-1) after a balanced performance.

In the second half, the match heated up dramatically, as Rafa Mujica restored the lead for Al Sadd in the 61st minute, then Roberto Firmino increased the score with a third goal in the 65th minute, making it seem that the Qatari team was on its way to securing qualification.

But Vissel Kobe refused to give up, and succeeded in returning strongly, as he reduced the difference with a goal in the minute. 74, before achieving a fatal equalizer in stoppage time (90 + 3), forcing extra time, which ended without changing the result.

In the penalty shootout, luck smiled on the Japanese team, which prevailed with a score of (5-4) after successfully executing most of the kicks, in exchange for a decisive miss by Al Sadd, to secure Vissel Kobe the ticket to qualify for the semi-finals.

The match witnessed exciting fluctuations and offensive performance from both teams, where strength emerged. Al Sadd in the first periods, before Vissel Kobe's determination and fighting personality appeared in coming back from a difficult deficit, snatching qualification in the end in a dramatic way.