25 November 2025 at 12:15
Match Summary
Chengdu Better City and Sanfrecce Hiroshima drew 1:1. The match was played in AFC Champions League Elite 2025. Goals were scored by Felipe Silva 54′ (pen.), M. Kato 63′. 2 yellow cards were shown. Chengdu Better City had 41% possession while Sanfrecce Hiroshima held 59%. Chengdu Better City had 7 shots (4 on target) compared to 11 (3 on target) for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Chengdu Better City made 5 substitutions, Sanfrecce Hiroshima made 3. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Tim Chow 52′).
Match Events
Key match events between Chengdu Better City and Sanfrecce Hiroshima — 2 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
assist: S. Nakamura
Match Statistics
Chengdu Better City had 41% possession against Sanfrecce Hiroshima's 59%. Chengdu Better City registered 7 shots (4 on target) while Sanfrecce Hiroshima managed 11 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 1–7. Fouls committed: 17–13.
Lineups
Chengdu Better City lined up in a 5-4-1 formation under John Aloisi, while Sanfrecce Hiroshima deployed a 3-4-2-1 under Bartosch Gaul.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Chengdu Better City is 6.83, compared to 6.86 for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Chengdu Better City's highest-rated starter is Felipe Silva (7.29), while Sanfrecce Hiroshima's best-rated player is H. Araki (7.31).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Chengdu Better City have contributed 6 goals and 2 assists this season, led by Felipe Silva (4G). Sanfrecce Hiroshima's starters account for 5 goals and 3 assists, spearheaded by H. Araki (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Chengdu Better City deploy 5 defenders rated 6.67 on average, against Sanfrecce Hiroshima's 3-man backline averaging 7.16. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Chengdu Better City field 4 midfielders averaging 6.87, versus Sanfrecce Hiroshima's 4 rated 6.84. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Chengdu Better City start 1 forward(s) averaging 7.29, compared to 3 for Sanfrecce Hiroshima averaging 6.54. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 73% for Chengdu Better City and 76% for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Chengdu Better City's starters have collected 12 yellow cards this season, compared to 9 for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Chengdu Better City's starting XI is 28.7 (youngest: H. Hu (22), oldest: Felipe Silva (33)), while Sanfrecce Hiroshima average 28.4 (youngest: S. Tanaka (23), oldest: T. Shiotani (37)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Chengdu Better City's starters average 7 league appearances each, versus 7 for Sanfrecce Hiroshima. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: John Aloisi
Substitutes
Coach: Bartosch Gaul
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Chengdu Better City have recorded 0 wins, 4 draws and 2 defeats. Sanfrecce Hiroshima show 4 wins, 1 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Chengdu Better City
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
API data: 20 Apr 2026