The Japanese soccer community suffered a devastating defeat.

Yokohama F. Marinos suffered a crushing defeat against Gwangju FC 3-7 in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) 2024-25 season at Gwangju World Cup Stadium on Sept. 17.

Yokohama allowed Gwangju striker Asani to score the first goal in the first minute of the match. Yokohama also dedicated the header goal to Oh in the 14th minute of the first half, seemingly collapsing in the first half.

Yokohama didn’t give up. 33 minutes into the first half. Eubert’s chase goal ended the first half 1-2.
The second half was a nightmare for Yokohama.

Starting with Asani in the 9th minute of the second half, Yokohama collapsed by dedicating shower goals to Becca (23rd minute in the second half), Lee Hee-kyun (27th minute in the second half), Gabriel (29th minute in the second half) and Asani (additional time in the second half).

Yokohama followed Euber (14th minute in the second half) and Nishimura (40th minute in the second half), but it was not enough to turn the game around against Gwangju, which showed off its powerful firepower.

In the 32nd minute of the second half, Eduardo committed a foul on Gabriel from Gwangju and received a red card. It was a humiliating loss to Yokohama.

After the game, Yokohama Acting Coach John Hutchinson bowed his head. The following are Q&A with John Hutchinson.

Q. We lost 3-7 away to Gwangju.
“I’m so sorry to the fans. They were completely defeated in everything including physical strength, skill and mental strength. I feel ashamed of the fans who came all the way to Korea. Today’s result is entirely my responsibility. I made a roster considering the schedule of the J1 League. I will use this opportunity to grow a little more. I will prepare well for the next game.”

Q. It was a very difficult game for Yokohama. What needs to be improved.

I had a little problem with the grass. But, I had no choice but to play on this ground. It was AFC’s choice. We can’t just hold ourselves accountable for this. Anyway, the game went on, and we lost. I’m sorry to the club. No matter how you look at it, my responsibility is the biggest. However, I won’t sink in here. I will continue to do my best.

Q. What is the biggest cause of the away defeat in Gwangju. 안전놀이터
The opponent scored multiple points. They kept losing points by one point, and the gap widened in an instant. Back-to-back runs came out in the second half. At that time, I thought, “What happened?” I changed three players at once to tie the game, but it didn’t work. I changed it with the intention of adding more energy to the team… but the defense completely collapsed. I’m not just pointing out the defense line.

The defense is done by all players from the front to the goalkeeper. The defense was not done normally. The opponent was superior in everything. We even faced the bad news of one person being sent off. I didn’t give up, but… I was greatly pushed by the opponent in situations where I won a one-on-one sweatshirt or second ball.

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