The final fixture of the AFC Champions League (ACL) 2020 eastern division group stage took place on Friday 4 December at Doha, Qatar. Yokohama F. Marinos, who already had clinched the round of 16, drew 1-1 against Sydney FC (Australia) to earn the top spot of Group H. Yokohama FM will now face the second place finisher of Group G, Suwon Samsung Bluewings (Korea Republic), on Monday 7 December.

Three days prior to their final fixture in Group H, Yokohama FM had already clinched their spot into the round of 16, when they won against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (Korea Republic). However, in order to advance as the group leader, they still had to earn at least a draw against Sydney, who was already eliminated from the competition, but highly motivated ahead of the new season of the A-League. The Australian side was also coming off a 4-0 victory over Shanghai SIPG (China PR), showing great form ahead of the match against Yokohama FM.

Facing the in-form Sydney side, Yokohama FM rotated their entire starting line-up from their match against Jeonbuk, and also placed some players in unusual positions, as WADA Takuya started as the right fullback, while OTSU Yuki was placed in the defensive midfield position. Despite the irregular line-up, the team showed great aggression to take the initiative in the early minutes. The opening goal came in the 18th minute, when SANETO Yuki connected with a corner kick delivered by MIZUNUMA Kota, striking a powerful volley shot that pierced the net. With a one goal lead, Yokohama FM continued to create chances, as AMANO Jun, ONAIWU Ado, and Otsu made attempts to threaten the opposing goal, but fell short from extending the lead.

While Yokohama FM struggled to convert their chances, Sydney capitalised their opportunity in the 29th minute, when Trent BUHAGIAR chased down a through ball to take on the Marinos GK TAKAOKA Yohei one-on-one and slotted the ball into the left corner. With momentum on their side, Sydney started to press forward, creating a close opportunity from a counterattack just before halftime. Sydney’s Alexander BAUMJOHANN came close to scoring the go-ahead goal at the beginning of the second half, when he broke through behind the Yokohama defence line and struck a shot, but Takaoka was there to make the save. After giving up a few close opportunities to their opponent, Yokohama FM regained their composure and took control over the remainder of the match, as Amano and Otsu continued to threaten the Sydney goal, but the Marinos side fell short from scoring another goal, as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Following the match, Yokohama FM’s coach Ange POSTECOGLOU praised his players, “Although some of the players were given different roles than usual, we managed to create many opportunities and took control of the match. We played well.” The coach also reflected on the match by mentioning, “We lacked our composure at the final third, as we rushed our plays too much. But all and all, I am satisfied with our overall performance.”

As a result, Yokohama FM finished in first place in Group H, with a record of four wins, one draw, and one loss. Despite losing to Jeonbuk Hyundai 0-2 in their final fixture, Shanghai SIPG advanced to the round of 16 as the runners-up of Group H.

Earning results while rotating the squad

After winning the J.League title last season, Yokohama FM has reached the knockout stage for the first time in their fourth ACL appearance. This year the team has shown their ability to win through the competition while rotating their squad.

Coach Postecoglou, who will be entering his fourth year with the Marinos next season, mentioned that “Regardless of who is on the pitch, the team can maintain a certain level, which is a positive thing.” And also explained that the players are adapting to the aggressive and dominant football style he has been deploying.

With the ACL group stage resuming at Doha, Yokohama FM squared off against Shanghai SIPG on 25 November. Facing the Chinese powerhouse who have reached their second ACL quarterfinals last year, the team conceded a PK late in the second half. However, the spot-kick taken by OSCAR was saved by the Marinos GK OBI Powell Obinna. Conversely, Amano converted a loose ball created by a shot taken by NAKAGAWA Teruhito in the closing minutes of the match, giving Yokohama FM a 1-0 victory. After scoring the game winner, Amano praised his GK, “Obi’s save changed the dynamics of the match.”

Although Yokohama FM needed just a draw or better to advance through the group stage, it was Shanghai SIPG who took the initiative in the returning leg, which was played just three days following the first leg, as the Chinese side scored the opening goal from a corner kick in the 14th minute. The Marinos side, who rotated majority of the players from the first leg, responded in the 21st minute, when Onaiwu scored the equaliser from a fast break in the right side, Shanghai SIPG retook the lead in the 55th minute, after changing their formation during halftime. With Yokohama failing to convert their chances in the closing minutes, the match ended with a final score of 1-2, giving the Shanghai side the victory.

Despite their loss, Yokohama FM still had a five point advantage over third place Jeonbuk, giving them another opportunity to clinch the round of 16 with a draw or better when they faced Jeonbuk on 1 December. For this match, coach Postecoglou once again rotated majority of their players, this time six players, against the Jeonbuk side who has won two ACL titles. Yokohama entered this match with great energy, as THEERATHON struck a wonderful shot in the 17th minute to score the opening goal. In the 51st minute, Nakagawa showcased a spectacular individual effort to set up the goal of Marcos JUNIOR to make it 2-0. Despite giving up a goal from a PK in the 54th minute, Nakagwa converted a cross delivered from the left side to score the team’s third goal in the 71st minute, followed by Jeonbuk’s own goal in the 83rd minute.

With the 4-1 victory, Yokohama FM clinched the round of 16 for the first time in the club’s history. While the players celebrated their feat, their minds were already set for a higher goal, as Marcos Junior mentioned, “We are not satisfied with this,” while Nakagawa also stating, “Our goal is to win the title.” After making history for the club, coach Postecoglou stressed the importance for their continuing growth, “After achieving something, the following year becomes an important year for the team’s growth. By advancing through the group stage for the first time in club history, we proved that we could achieve greater things, and it is a significant step in terms of the team’s development.”

Facing Suwon Samsung at the round of 16

Starting from the round of 16, the competition will be played in a single match knockout format. But the former coach of Australia National Team shared his aspiration ahead of their next match, “Our approach will remain the same. We will play each match as if they are a rubber match and showcase our aggressive style to take control of the match. The most important thing is that we believe in ourselves.”

Yokohama FM will face Suwon Samsung on 7 December, a Korean side who is coming off a 2-0 victory over Vissel Kobe who has already clinched the top spot of Group G. Suwon held a record of one win, two draws, and one loss, advancing through as the runners-up of their group, but the club has plenty of experience, as they are making their 10th appearance at the ACL after claiming the Korean FA Cup title. Facing the semi-finalist of 2011 and 2018, Yokohama FM will be missing ITO Makito and Saneto, due to accumulation of cautions, but coach Postecoglou has constantly rotated his squad, mentioning, “Everybody is in a fresh condition ahead of the round of 16.” Mizunuma also shared his aspiration to make club’s history, “From here on, we must prioritise results rather than the process. Regardless of how the match turns out, it is important that we stick together as a team to win the match.”

Tournament Information