Sydney FC Endure First ACL Defeat in 2-1

J-League Leaders Edge Out Sky Blues in High-Intensity Match

Sydney FC Fall to Second Place in Group E After Tough Away Loss

Sydney FC experienced their first setback in this season’s AFC Champions League (ACL) campaign, falling 2-1 to J-League leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima in a gripping encounter in Japan. Despite dominating possession, Sydney FC was unable to overturn the early lead established by their Japanese rivals, leaving them three points behind in Group E.

Higashi’s Stunning Volley Breaks Deadlock

The match kicked off with intensity, but it was Hiroshima who struck first in the 20th minute. Shunki Higashi found the back of the net with a spectacular left-footed volley from inside the box, leaving Sydney goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne no chance as the ball rocketed into the bottom corner.

Sydney FC controlled much of the possession throughout the game and came close to equalising just before halftime when Rhyan Grant nearly capitalised on a chance. However, their failure to convert would prove costly. Sanfrecce doubled their advantage in the 55th minute when substitute Pieros Sotiriou tapped in from close range after a defensive error from Sydney’s Hayden Matthews.

Sydney’s Late Fightback Falls Short

Though Sydney FC pushed hard to break through, it wasn’t until stoppage time in the 90th minute that they finally got on the scoresheet. A swift combination between substitutes Max Burgess and Adrian Segecic saw the latter score from the edge of the box, setting up a frantic final few minutes. Despite mounting pressure, the Japanese side held firm, clinching Sydney’s first defeat in this ACL campaign.

This result leaves Sydney FC in second place, trailing Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who have a perfect record after three matches.

Missed Chances and Tempers Flare

The game was marked by early drama, with Hiroshima defender Hayato Araki stretchered off after a collision with Sydney’s Patryk Klimala just four minutes into the match. Sydney had a prime opportunity to open the scoring in the 12th minute when Jordan Courtney-Perkins saw his close-range effort denied by Hiroshima’s goalkeeper after excellent build-up play from Douglas Costa.

The Sky Blues continued to create opportunities, amassing over 60% of possession. However, Hiroshima nearly doubled their lead twice before the half—first with a wasted chance from Goncalo Paciencia, then with Mutsuki Kato dragging his shot wide after Sydney was caught high up the pitch. Captain Rhyan Grant had two glorious chances to equalise just before the break, hitting the post from a metre out after precise crosses from Costa.

Tempers briefly boiled over in the second half as Sydney FC midfielder Leo Sena and Hiroshima’s Tolgay Arslan clashed in midfield, resulting in yellow cards for both players.

Next Challenge: Auckland FC Showdown

Sydney FC will now shift their focus back to the Isuzu UTE A-League, with a pivotal match against Auckland FC at Go Media Stadium on Sunday. With ACL pressure mounting and their domestic campaign continuing, the Sky Blues face a critical period ahead.

Tags: Sydney FC, ACL, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, AFC Champions League, J-League, Group E, Soccer, Football
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