Vissel Kobe secured a vital 1-0 away victory against FC Seoul in the AFC Champions League Elite on March 4, 2026. The Japanese side avenged their earlier loss to Johor Darul Ta'zim with a professional and disciplined performance at Seoul World Cup Stadium, earning three crucial points. The only goal of the game came in the first half, as Vissel Kobe capitalized on a defensive mistake in the Seoul backline, pouncing on a loose ball to slot home. FC Seoul dominated possession for the remainder of the match, laying siege to the Vissel goal, but they found the Japanese defense and goalkeeper in inspired form. The home side hit the post and had a penalty shout waved away, but they could not find an equalizer. The win reignited Vissel Kobe's campaign and dealt a blow to Seoul's knockout hopes.