Japan's Vissel Kobe sealed a 2-0 win over hosts Shanghai Shenhua on Wednesday to open a three-point gap atop the Asian Champions League Elite eastern league phase standings.

Goals from Yosuke Ideguchi and Tetsushi Yamakawa in the 31st and 39th minutes respectively sealed a fourth win in five matches for the J-League champions, who moved clear of second-placed Melbourne City in the standings.

The first eight finishers in the 12-team eastern league phase progress to the last 16 in March, with the quarter-finals, semis and final due to be played in April in Saudi Arabia.

Shenhua had put the visitors under early pressure as Andre Luis hit the bar with a shot on the run in the 15th minute.

Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just

See Full Page