Vissel Kobe (JPN) 2-0 Gwangju FC (KOR)

Takayuki Yoshida’s side silenced Jasir Asani, the competition’s leading scorer, who failed to add to his six goals from the opening three games with Kobe climbing to the top of the standings with 10 points from their opening four games.
Miyashiro gave Kobe the lead with a penalty three minutes into first half injury time and Sasaki converted from close range nine minutes after the interval to maintain the Japanese side’s own unbeaten start to the competition.
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There was no place in the Vissel Kobe squad for prolific duo Yuya Osako and Yoshinoro Muto but it mattered little as Miyashiro, in particular, shone for the reigning Japanese champions.
The former Kawasaki Frontale forward set himself up for an 18th minute effort, Miyashiro firing just wide after the Gwangju defence struggled to clear Ryo Hatsuse’s free kick into the penalty area.
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Another Hatsuse delivery set up Matheus Thuler to threaten with a 36th minute but the Brazilian’s effort was too wide to cause goalkeeper Kim Kyeong-min any concerns while Sasaki also headed off target with five minutes left in the half.
Gwangju’s resistance eventually ended in first half injury time, with Miyashiro at the heart of the action. The striker’s attempt to pull the ball back from the bye-line was blocked by Park Tae-jun’s arm and referee Mohammed Al Hoish pointed to the spot.
Miyashiro stepped up himself to take the penalty, scoring past Kim despite slipping on the turf as he made contact with the ball.
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The goal gave Kobe the confidence to push for more in the early exchanges of the second half. Hatsuse was denied seven minutes after the restart when Kim pushed his goal-bound free kick over the bar.
There was no mistake, however, from Sasaki as he pounced to double Kobe’s lead. Jean Patric had been released down the left and, while Miyashiro saw his strike from the Brazilian’s cross saved by Kim, his team mate converted to double the lead.
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Sasaki then burst through the middle to bear down on goal in the 65th minute only to see his shot blocked by Kim while the goalkeeper was also on hand to keep out Miyashiro’s close range attempt to score his second late in the game but Kobe still claimed a deserved win.