Yokohama F·Marinos Make History with AFC Champions League Quarter-Final Berth

Yokohama F·Marinos made history by securing a spot in the AFC Champions League quarter-finals for the first time. Anderson Lopes was the hero, converting a stoppage-time penalty to clinch a dramatic victory over Bangkok United.

The Tricolor had set themselves up well with a 2-2 draw in the first leg, giving them a solid foundation heading into the second leg in Yokohama. The home side started brightly, with Élber coming close early on with a narrowly missed curling effort.

As the game progressed, Marinos continued to push for a breakthrough, with Jun Amano and Lopes both going close. Lopes had a fierce shot saved by the Bangkok United goalkeeper, keeping the scores level as the match headed into extra time.

It was in the dying moments of extra time that the decisive moment arrived. Yuhi Murakami’s cross was handled in the box, leading to a penalty for Marinos. Lopes stepped up confidently, calmly slotting the ball past the keeper to secure a historic victory for the Japanese side.

However, Marinos’ quarter-final opponents will not be local rivals Kawasaki Frontale, as they were knocked out by Shandong Taishan in a thrilling encounter.

Next up for Yokohama F·Marinos is a clash with a Chinese club in the quarter-finals, scheduled for March. Meanwhile, Ventforet Kofu saw their AFC Champions League journey come to an end in the Round of 16, despite their remarkable run in the competition.

Despite a 5-1 aggregate defeat to Ulsan Hyundai, Kofu’s journey was a fairy tale story, having claimed the Emperor’s Cup as a second division side and defying the odds to win their group in the AFC Champions League.

Although their campaign has come to an end, Kofu’s exploits have captured the imagination of football fans, leaving a lasting impression in Asia’s top competition.

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Zora Əhmədov

Zora Əhmədov, our dedicated statistician and lover of small leagues, is the analytical mind behind Asia.futbol's in-depth statistical analyses. Hailing from Azerbaijan, Zora's expertise lies in uncovering the hidden gems and untold stories within the lesser-known football leagues across Asia. With a sharp focus on numbers and an encyclopedic knowledge of the game, Zora's articles provide readers with a fresh perspective on the statistical side of Asian football.

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