Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors rally to beat Kashiwa Reysol in ACL

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. Head coach Chung Jung-yong lauded his team's determination after they overturned a first-half deficit at home.

Kenshin Yuba's fine individual effort gave the visiting Japanese side the lead in the 30th minute. The two-time champions responded swiftly after halftime, with Tiago Orobo equalizing just three minutes into the second period. Substitute Italo then completed the turnaround, scoring the winning goal shortly after entering the match in the 69th minute.

Chung praises second-half execution

Coach Chung was delighted with his players' response after the interval. He attributed the victory to their ability to perfectly execute the tactical plan laid out for the second half. The AFC Champions League Elite, founded in 2024, is the continent's premier club competition, with qualification achieved via domestic league and cup performance.

"The players showed really strong desire and determination," said Chung. "They executed our tactics perfectly in the second half." He emphasized the need to maintain this attitude moving forward and expressed gratitude for the players' effort.

Chung also highlighted the significance of securing a win in their first home match of the competition. As the head coach, I'm very happy that we could give our supporters a victory, he stated. With another domestic league match approaching quickly, he hopes the team can use this result to build positive momentum.

Tactical anticipation proves key

Chung revealed that his team's strategy was built on an expectation that Kashiwa Reysol would struggle to maintain their intensity. The coach noted that Kashiwa, a team built mostly with domestic players who favor possession, would likely see their energy levels drop as the game progressed. Jeonbuk aimed to capitalize on this anticipated fatigue after the restart.

Naturally, as a coach you want to be on a big stage like the ACLE, Chung added, expressing his happiness at winning his first match in the competition.

Rodriguez acknowledges Jeonbuk's momentum shift

Kashiwa Reysol head coach Ricardo Rodriguez conceded that Jeonbuk's increased intensity after halftime changed the game. His side had enjoyed the better start and took control of the match's atmosphere with the opening goal in a difficult away fixture.

Jeonbuk understood our strengths and controlled them well, Rodriguez admitted. Although they conceded first, they came out with tremendous momentum and intensity in the second half. They scored twice and that allowed them to win. He concluded by noting that while his team created chances, football ultimately revolves around scoring goals.