Kashiwa Reysol host Daejeon Hana Citizen at Kashiwa Soccer Stadium on 3 November. AFC lists their first meeting at 19:00 in Japan, equivalent to 17:00 Vietnam time, in the fourth round of the Champions League Elite.
Kashiwa were held by Ratchaburi in the previous round, while Daejeon lost their unbeaten record against Vissel Kobe. Bongda24h records one win, one draw and one defeat for each side across the opening three games, giving both four points.
A defensive step for the hosts
AFC notes that the Ratchaburi draw produced Kashiwa's first continental clean sheet in five matches. They nevertheless regretted dropping points against a side arriving after two defeats.
Daejeon provide a different test. Kashiwa have lost their last four matches against South Korean clubs, according to AFC. Their opening defeat in this campaign was also against Jeonbuk.
Visitors seek a change in direction
Daejeon's sequence has moved from a win to a draw and then defeat, as described by Bongda24h. AFC says they competed strongly against Vissel without securing points.
The Korean side have won two of their previous three encounters with Japanese clubs. That offers background against opponents from the same country rather than a direct record against Kashiwa.
The teams now meet with identical points totals but different recent experiences. The next test begins at 17:00 Vietnam time on 3 November, when Kashiwa seek to build on a clean sheet and Daejeon aim to respond to their first defeat.