Machida Zelvia booked their place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 after securing a narrow 1–0 victory over Gangwon FC in the second leg of their Round of 16 at Machida City Nozuta Park Stadium, Machida.
A decisive 25th-minute header from Hotaro Nakamura proved enough to separate the two sides at Machida Stadium, sealing a 1–0 aggregate triumph for the Japanese club after the first leg in South Korea had ended in a goalless draw.
The result sends Machida into the last eight of Asia’s premier club competition, marking another milestone for the rapidly rising team led by head coach Go Kuroda.
Unlike the cagey first leg encounter in Chuncheon, the return match in Japan started with far greater intensity.
Yuki Soma nearly opened the scoring early for the hosts but dragged his effort wide, while Machida goalkeeper Kosei Tani was forced into action in the 10th minute to deny a long-range strike from Song Jun-seok.
Na Sang-ho delivered a precise cross from the left flank, and Nakamura slipped past defender Kang Jun-hyul before directing a header beyond goalkeeper Park Chung-hyo via the inside of the post.
Machida almost doubled their lead 10 minutes before halftime when Na cut inside and fired from 12 yards, but veteran goalkeeper Park reacted quickly to push the effort over the crossbar.
Substitute Abdallah Halaihal tested the Machida defence early in the second half, with his shot blocked before the rebound fell to Kim Dae-won. Tani produced an outstanding double save to keep the visitors at bay.
As the match progressed, Gangwon increased the pressure in search of an equaliser, but efforts such as Kang Yun-gu’s long-range attempt in the 75th minute sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.
The visitors continued to push forward late in the game, but Machida remained dangerous on the counterattack.
Park denied Na again in the closing stages after the winger surged through the Gangwon defence, producing a point-blank save to keep his side within reach.
There was also a chance for Tete Yengi to seal the result in stoppage time when he broke through one-on-one with Park, but his shot was comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper.
Despite the missed opportunity, Machida successfully protected their slender lead until the final whistle.
Machida’s qualification for the quarter-finals represents a remarkable chapter in the club’s recent history.
Just two and a half years ago, Machida Zelvia were competing in the second tier of Japanese football. Since then, the club has surged into the top level of the J1 League and captured the prestigious Emperor’s Cup last season.
Credit Photo : AFC
