J-League - Vissel Kobe 0-1 Avispa Fukuoka - Vissel's Woes Worsen

Vissel Kobe fell to visitors Avispa Fukuoka in a clash between two teams winless so far. Avispa picked up their first win of the season at the expense of the champions, enduring a late red card to defender Kamijima, but it proved to be no problem, seeing the game out 1-0.

Vissel Kobe lined up in a 4-1-2-3, with a significant ruffle-up from their last draw to Kyoto Sanga. 19 year-old Hashimoto replaced Osako, a 17-year-old Hamasaki took Ide's place, Yamauchi started in place of Ogihara in midfield, Matheus Thuler was dropped for Iwanami, Hidaka started in Hirose's place.

Avispa Fukuoka set up in a 3-4-2-1, a change from their 3-4-3 against Kawasaki last time around. Kanamori and Nago were exchanged for Kitajima and Konno, Akino was dropped in favor of Matsuoka, Fujimoto saw a start at the expense of Shichi, however the defence stayed largely the same.

In the first half it was mainly Avispa who saw more of the ball. Although overall, Vissel Kobe were much more prominent after growing into the game.

The home side were fluid in their possesion play in the first minutes of the game but could not find their way past Fukuoka's 3-4-2-1.

Avispa enjoyed spells of domination in Kobe's own home, with some impressive drives forward from their full-backs.

Kobe's defensive tactica largely depended on the doubling-up on Avispa's attackers in hopes of pressing them into problems, but this was not usually the case.

It was a case of foreshadowing when Fukuoka began to attempt dangerous passes into Vissel's box in the 30th minutes.

The drama hit it's peak when in the 40th minute, upon the defenders focusing on Avispa's focal point Ben Khalifa, the deflected shot landed at the feet of Miki who gave it a follow up shot - only to deflect again off Yamakawa, and into the net.

Although Avispa continued to enjoy their groove, in the 75th minute, Vissel were given a lifeline. A red card was shown to Takumi Kamijima for rough off-the-ball altercation with Yuya Osako who had come on during half time.

This red card thus shook up the game and offered Vissel a chance to equalise. However, the game ended in Fukuoka's favor after they remained vigilant and resilient despite being a man down.