Shimizu S-Pulse emerged victorious from a five-goal thriller, defeating Vissel Kobe 3-2 at home on May 25, 2025. In a match that swung back and forth, S-Pulse's attacking verve ultimately proved decisive against a Kobe side featuring several star names. Vissel Kobe took an early lead, but Shimizu responded with two quick goals before the break to turn the game on its head. The visitors leveled the score early in the second half, setting up a grandstand finish. The winning goal came from a set-piece with just over ten minutes remaining, a header that sparked wild celebrations at IAI Stadium Nihondaira. This crucial win provided a massive boost to Shimizu's survival hopes, while Vissel Kobe's inconsistent form continued to hinder their push for the Asian Champions League spots.