9 December 2025 at 10:00
Match Summary
Vissel Kobe and Chengdu Better City drew 2:2. The match was played in AFC Champions League Elite 2025. Goals were scored by Y. Muto 18′, Felipe Silva 45′, Felipe Silva 77′ (pen.), D. Sasaki 90′ (pen.). 4 yellow cards were shown. Vissel Kobe had 66% possession while Chengdu Better City held 34%. Vissel Kobe had 10 shots (5 on target) compared to 11 (4 on target) for Chengdu Better City. Vissel Kobe made 5 substitutions, Chengdu Better City made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Daiju Sasaki 87′).
Match Events
Key match events between Vissel Kobe and Chengdu Better City — 4 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Erik
assist: T. Chow
Penalty
Penalty
Match Statistics
Vissel Kobe had 66% possession against Chengdu Better City's 34%. Vissel Kobe registered 10 shots (5 on target) while Chengdu Better City managed 11 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 6–3. Fouls committed: 8–14.
Lineups
Vissel Kobe lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under Michael Skibbe, while Chengdu Better City deployed a 3-4-2-1 under John Aloisi.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Vissel Kobe is 6.98, compared to 6.83 for Chengdu Better City. 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. Vissel Kobe's highest-rated starter is G. Sakai (7.38), while Chengdu Better City's best-rated player is Felipe Silva (7.29).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Vissel Kobe have contributed 11 goals and 10 assists this season, led by Y. Muto (4G). Chengdu Better City's starters account for 6 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by Felipe Silva (4G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Vissel Kobe deploy 4 defenders rated 6.97 on average, against Chengdu Better City's 3-man backline averaging 6.76. 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
Vissel Kobe field 3 midfielders averaging 6.89, versus Chengdu Better City's 4 rated 6.74. 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
Vissel Kobe start 3 forward(s) averaging 7.00, compared to 3 for Chengdu Better City averaging 6.95. 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 80% for Vissel Kobe and 73% for Chengdu Better City. 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
Vissel Kobe's starters have collected 9 yellow cards this season, compared to 12 for Chengdu Better City. 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 Vissel Kobe's starting XI is 30.7 (youngest: D. Sasaki (26), oldest: S. Gonda (36)), while Chengdu Better City average 28.7 (youngest: H. Hu (22), oldest: Felipe Silva (33)). 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
Vissel Kobe's starters average 7 league appearances each, versus 7 for Chengdu Better City. 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: Michael Skibbe
Substitutes
Coach: John Aloisi
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Vissel Kobe have recorded 3 wins, 1 draws and 2 defeats. Chengdu Better City show 0 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Vissel Kobe
Chengdu Better City
API data: 20 Apr 2026