Anderson Lopes delivered a last-minute winner from the penalty spot deep into added time as Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the 2023/24 AFC Champions League. They clinched victory over Thailand’s True Bangkok United with a 1-0 triumph in the second leg of their round of 16 clash on Wednesday at the Nissan Stadium.
With the first leg ending in a 2-2 draw at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani, Harry Kewell’s Yokohama side struggled to breach Bangkok United’s stubborn defense for the entirety of the match, enduring over 120 minutes of deadlock before Lopes’ decisive penalty broke the stalemate.
Yokohama dominated possession early on at the Nissan Stadium, however, it wasn’t until the 19th minute that they had a significant opportunity, with Elber narrowly missing the target with a curled effort from outside the box.
Shortly after, Bangkok United nearly capitalized on a defensive lapse, but Mahmoud Eid’s decision to pass rather than shoot allowed Yokohama to clear the danger. Despite several attempts, neither team managed to register a shot on target by halftime.
After the break, Bangkok United displayed more attacking intent, but their efforts failed to trouble Yokohama’s defense, with Weerathep Pomphan’s long-range attempt comfortably saved by goalkeeper William Popp.
Yokohama had their chances too, notably through substitute Jun Amano, who missed a close-range opportunity in the 68th minute. The hosts came agonizingly close to scoring in the 79th minute when Lopes’ curling effort struck the post.
The deadlock persisted into extra time, with Lopes continuing to threaten Bangkok United’s defense. Eventually, Yokohama’s persistence paid off when a VAR review awarded them a penalty in the 118th minute after Wisarut Imura was adjudged to have handled Yuhi Murakami’s shot in the penalty box, with the ensuing spot-kick being converted expertly by Lopes in the 122nd minute.
With this victory, Yokohama progresses to their first-ever AFC Champions League quarterfinal, where they will meet Chinese side Shandong Taishan next month.