AFC Champions League League Phase East - 4
Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1 - 0 FT Gangwon FC
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Expected Goals (xG)
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
22' Naoto Arai
HT
46' ↓ N. Arai ↑S. Nakano
46' ↓ N. Maeda ↑R. Germain
46' ↓ D. Suga ↑S. Nakamura
↓ Kim Kang-Guk ↑Park Sang-Hyeok 46'
58' ↓ V. Germain ↑K. Kinoshita
61' Sho Sasaki
63' M. Kato
You-Hyeon Lee 66'
69' Sho Sasaki
69' Sho Sasaki
Marko Tuci 69'
71' ↓ M. Kato ↑S. Higashi
↓ Kim Gun-Hee ↑Lee Sang-Heon 75'
↓ H. Park ↑Kim Min-Jun 75'
↓ Song Jun-Seok ↑Hong Chul 85'
↓ Kang Joon-Hyuck ↑Kim Do-Hyun 85'
90'+6 Hayao Kawabe
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Goalkeepers
Jeong Min-Ki 
PROVOCATEUR
1
Fouls Won
1
Fouls Won
2
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Defenders
T. Shiotani 
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
H. Araki
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
S. Sasaki
PROVOCATEUR
4
Fouls Won
4
Fouls Won
7
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Midfielders
Forwards
N. Maeda 
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
M. Kato 
FINISHER
1
Goals
1
Goals
4
Shots
8.2
Rating
V. Germain
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
58
Total Mins
58
Entry
BENCH
K. Osako 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Y. Tanaka
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
T. Yamasaki
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
S. Nakano 
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
4
Tackles
62%
Duel Win %
S. Higashi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
19
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Y. Chajima
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
S. Koshimichi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Marcos Junior
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
R. Germain
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
Started
Entry
K. Kinoshita
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
32
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Inoue
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
S. Nakamura
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Gangwon FC
Goalkeepers
Park Cheong-Hyo 
OCTOPUS
6
Saves
6
Saves
0
Conceded
100%
Save %
Defenders
Kang Joon-Hyuck
LATE SHIFT
5
Late Mins
5
Late Mins
85
Total Mins
85
Entry
Shin Min-Ha
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
H. Park
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
75
Total Mins
75
Entry
M. Tuci
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Song Jun-Seok
PROVOCATEUR
2
Fouls Won
2
Fouls Won
7
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Midfielders
Kim Kang-Guk
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
Seo Min-Woo 
MAGNET
99
Activity
99
Activity
88
Passes
11
Duels
Lee You-Hyeon
MAGNET
84
Activity
84
Activity
70
Passes
14
Duels
Forwards
Kim Gun-Hee
MAGNET
50
Activity
50
Activity
24
Passes
26
Duels
Kim Dae-Won
MAGNET
64
Activity
64
Activity
54
Passes
10
Duels
BENCH
Lee Gwang-Yeon
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Jo Hyun-Tae
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Hong Chul
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Lee Gi-Hyuk
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Y. Kang
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Kim Dae-Woo
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Park Sang-Hyeok
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Lee Sang-Heon
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
15
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Kim Min-Jun
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
15
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Kim Do-Hyun
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Yun Il-Lok
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Goo Bon-Cheul
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
League Standings
P: 4 GD: +4
P: 4 GD: +3
P: 4 GD: +2
P: 4 GD: +1
P: 4 GD: 0
P: 4 GD: -1
P: 4 GD: -1
P: 4 GD: +1
P: 4 GD: +1
P: 4 GD: -1
P: 4 GD: -2
League Standings
P: 8 GD: +8
P: 8 GD: +7
P: 8 GD: +4
P: 8 GD: +2
P: 8 GD: +2
P: 8 GD: +1
P: 8 GD: +1
P: 8 GD: -2
P: 8 GD: -2
P: 8 GD: -4
P: 8 GD: -8
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Clinical Sanfrecce Defy Odds in Hiroshima
Skip It Futmetrix Score: 13/100. Sanfrecce Hiroshima showcased remarkable defensive resilience and clinical finishing to overcome a numerical disadvantage and secure a vital continental victory.
Defying the Possession Narrative
The encounter at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima began with an unexpected rhythm. While Gangwon FC controlled possession with a dominant 63%, it was Sanfrecce Hiroshima who looked far more dangerous in the final third. A Balance score of 1.5 suggests a match that was technically uneven, yet the home side’s efficiency was the early talking point. Despite having significantly less of the ball, the Sanfrecce attackers forced the Gangwon goalkeeper into six saves in the opening period. The tactical setup from the hosts allowed them to absorb pressure and strike on the break, creating six big chances compared to none for their South Korean visitors. This period established a theme of territorial dominance versus genuine goal-scoring threat, with the Japanese side proving that efficiency often trumps volume in elite competition.
The Turning Point in Purple
The complexion of the match shifted dramatically when Sanfrecce Hiroshima was reduced to ten men. A red card to a key defensive player forced the hosts into a deep block, yet an Intensity rating of 1.9 illustrates how the game transformed into a gritty, low-tempo battle of attrition. Rather than crumbling, the Sanfrecce lineup became even more compact. The Upset Factor remained at 0.0 because, despite the man advantage, Gangwon FC simply could not find a way through the purple wall. The visitors registered 25 crosses and 94 passes into the final third, but their lack of a "Sniper" was evident as they failed to test the Sanfrecce goalkeeper even once. This inability to capitalize on a man advantage proved fatal as the hosts maintained their slim 1-0 lead with disciplined positioning and 34 clearances.
Resolution and Continental Standing
As the final whistle blew, the Stakes score of 1.0 reflected a result that solidified Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s position in the top bracket of the AFC Champions League. With 14 points from seven matches, they remain firmly in 3rd place, keeping their pursuit of the leaders alive. For Gangwon FC, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow; despite their numerical superiority and control of the ball, they remain in 8th place with just eight points. The match stats tell a damning story for the away side: zero shots on target from six attempts. Sanfrecce’s ability to secure the win with just 37% possession highlights a masterclass in game management. This victory provides a significant morale boost for the Japanese club as they navigate the complexities of a dual-front season, while Gangwon must solve their creative crisis to survive the group stage.
Key Questions
How did Sanfrecce Hiroshima win with only 37% possession?
Sanfrecce was highly clinical, recording 7 shots on target and creating 6 big chances, while Gangwon failed to register a single shot on target despite their possession.
What impact did the red card have on the match?
The red card forced Sanfrecce into a defensive shell, but Gangwon’s inability to create quality chances meant the home side could hold onto their 1-0 lead comfortably.
What is the Futmetrix Score?
The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.
Hiroshima’s Defensive Steel Meets Gangwon’s Continental Crisis
Skip It Futmetrix Score: 41/100. A match defined by tactical discipline where Sanfrecce’s superior organization should overwhelm a fragile Gangwon side fighting to stay in the qualification conversation.
The Setup
As the AFC Champions League league phase intensifies, Sanfrecce Hiroshima enters this Matchday 4 fixture at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima in a position of strength. Sitting 3rd in the East region, the hosts carry a Form rating derived from four wins in seven matches, showcasing a balance that Gangwon FC currently lacks. The visitors, languishing in 8th, have struggled for consistency, conceding 11 goals already this campaign. While the Stakes are high at 7.0 due to the knockout-style pressure of the league table, a low Stars score of 1.7 suggests this will be a battle of systems rather than individual brilliance.
Key Battle
The defining conflict on November 04, 2025, will be the clinical efficiency of the Hiroshima midfield, led by H. Kawabe, against a Gangwon defensive unit that has looked porous under pressure. Sanfrecce’s ability to transition from K. Osako in goal through to their creative hubs will test whether the South Korean visitors can maintain their shape for 90 minutes. With H. Araki anchoring a defense that has only allowed four goals this season, Gangwon’s frontline faces a monumental task in breaching the J-League side’s compact structure.
Our Prediction
Sanfrecce Hiroshima are specialists in controlled aggression. Expect the hosts to dominate possession early, using the width of the pitch to stretch a Gangwon side that often sits deep but lacks the recovery speed to cover gaps. A goal in each half seems the most likely trajectory, with Hiroshima’s Balance proving too much for the visitors to handle. A 2-0 victory for the home side will solidify their push for a direct top-8 qualification spot.