Gwangju will welcome Yokohama F Marinos to Gwangju World Cup Stadium in the AFC Champions League Elite on Tuesday. Both teams are set to face off against each other for the first time.
Gwangju vs Yokohama F Marinos Preview
Gwangju finished third in the K League 1 (South Korea’s top flight) last season to qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite. They will begin their campaign in the league stage, with an eye on a ticket to the round of 16. Gwangju would need to be among the eight top finishers of the East Region to be able to progress to the next stage.
The hosts are making their debut in the AFC Champions League Elite following their brilliant campaign in the K League 1 last season. However, they have been struggling of late, recording just one win in their last six games in all competitions. They sit seventh in the league table on 40 points, 14 behind the top spot.
Yokohama F Marinos earned qualification for the AFC Champions League Elite after finishing second in Japan’s J1 League last season. This will be their ninth appearance in the continental competition since 1989-90. The visitors reached the final in 2023-24 but were defeated by UAE’s Al Ain 6-3 on aggregate.
Marinos are in search of their first title in the competition, with two runners-up spots being their best record so far. They will enter this clash on the back of two straight defeats, with five goals conceded against three. Yokohama F Marinos sit seventh in the 2024 J1 League on 41 points – 17 behind the top spot with five games to spare.
Gwangju vs Yokohama F Marinos Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Gwangju have won thrice and lost twice in their last five matches at home in all competitions.
- Gwangju have scored six goals and conceded seven in their last five matches in all competitions.
- Gwangju are yet to win any top-flight title, but have won the K League 2 twice.
- Yokohama F Marinos have won thrice and lost twice in their last five matches on the road.
- Gwangju have won once, drawn once and lost thrice in their last five matches while Yokohama F Marinos have won thrice and lost twice. Form Guide: Gwangju – W-L-D-L-L, Yokohama F Marinos – L-L-W-W-W.
Gwangju vs Yokohama F Marinos Prediction
Gwangju’s approach to their first continental match matters a lot. They will need to build confidence by being at their best against the experienced visitors.
Yokohama F Marinos will be counting on their rich experience (nine participations) as they take on the hosts in their backyard.
Yokohama F Marinos are expected to come out on top based on form and experience.
Prediction: Gwangju 1-2 Yokohama F Marinos
Gwangju vs Yokohama F Marinos Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Yokohama F Marinos to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals – Yes
Tip 3: Yokohama F Marinos to score first – Yes
Tip 4: Gwangju to score - Yes