Keisuke Honda’s goal on his return to Japan was in vain as Melbourne Victory went down to Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-1 in their Asian Champions League clash.
A header from Daiki Watari just four minutes from time put a major dent in the Victory’s hopes of qualifying for the knock out stages.
Kevin Muscat’s side sit bottom of Group F with two defeats from their opening two games.
The J-League side opened the scoring in the third minute through Shunki Higashi before Honda equalised for the reigning A-League champions on 71 minutes.
With the match looking destined for a draw, Watari’s late strike leaves the Victory’s ACL campaign in tatters and extended their winless run to six games in all competitions.
Next up for Melbourne is a home match against Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
Honda update, for Kubota - Building Australia.
Watch Honda's goal on his return to Japan in the link below
.@kskgroup2017 brings us level ゴール！ ホンダケイスケ #SANvMEL 1-1 #ACL2019 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/RiXyYUzCDf
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) March 12, 2019