Vissel Kobe claimed a 2-0 win at Tokyo Verdy in the J.League, with a goal in each half doing the damage. Verdy enjoyed more of the ball, but Kobe were far sharper in front of goal.
Issei Takahashi put the visitors ahead on 16 minutes, and Katsuya Nagato made it 0-2 six minutes after the interval. That second goal took the game away from Verdy, who could not find a response despite their possession.
The stats underlined Kobe's edge: they had 15 shots with seven on target, while Verdy managed seven shots and none on target. Kobe converted both of their big chances, and the Tokyo goalkeeper kept the score down with five saves.
