Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors edge Kashiwa Reysol in ACL Elite

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC began their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Japan's Kashiwa Reysol on Wednesday. Substitute Italo scored the decisive goal just minutes after entering the pitch, securing all three points for the two-time champions in Jeonju.

Kenshin Yuba had given the visitors a first-half lead with a fine solo effort. The home side equalised early in the second half through Tiago Orobo before Italo's late intervention sealed the win for coach Chung Jung-yong's team.

First Half Dominance Fails to Yield Goals

Kashiwa Reysol controlled possession for the opening half-hour but struggled to create clear chances. Jeonbuk's Tiago Orobo directed a weak header straight at goalkeeper Ryosuke Kojima in the 25th minute. Tiago then almost capitalised on a slack back-pass from Yuba, firing a first-time shot narrowly wide.

The visitors took the lead against the run of play. Kojima's long kick was headed on by Yuki Kakita to Kenshin Yuba, who collected the ball 40 yards from goal. Cutting in from the left, he ran unchallenged to the edge of the area before slotting his shot home.

Jeonbuk Fight Back After the Break

Jeonbuk responded quickly after halftime. Three minutes into the second period, Lee Seung-woo dribbled into the box before laying the ball off to Kim Tae-hwan. Kim's cross from the right evaded Kojima, allowing Tiago Orobo a simple, unopposed header to level the score.

Lee Seung-woo was instrumental again ten minutes later. The playmaker dispossessed Yuba and found Lee Yeong-jae, whose shot beat Kojima but clipped the post and bounced wide. Kashiwa thought they had retaken the lead on the hour mark when Segawa tapped in Tojiro Kubo's low cross, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review ruled him offside.

Substitute Italo Makes Instant Impact

Jeonbuk coach Chung Jung-yong introduced Brazilian forward Italo for Lee Dong-jun in the 65th minute. The change paid immediate dividends. Less than four minutes later, Italo put the hosts ahead.

Lee Seung-woo provided the assist, feeding Italo on the left. The substitute cut inside, drove past two defenders, and calmly slotted a right-footed finish into the bottom corner past Kojima. Kashiwa pushed for an equaliser, with Seiya Baba shooting inches wide across the face of goal with seven minutes remaining, but Jeonbuk held firm.

Qualification is achieved via domestic league and cup performance. The victory gives Jeonbuk a perfect start in the competition's group stage.