Tue Dec 03 12:11:37 UTC 2024: ## Mariners Crushed by Yokohama in Champions League Rout
**Gosford, NSW** – The Central Coast Mariners suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against Yokohama F. Marinos in their AFC Champions League Elite Group Stage match. The Japanese side dominated the encounter, scoring three goals before halftime and adding a stunning free-kick in the second half to secure the victory.
Kenta Inoue opened the scoring early, and despite a save from Mariners goalkeeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen, Yokohama continued their assault. Two quick goals around the 30th-minute mark, one from Inoue and another from Anderson Lopes, effectively sealed the Mariners’ fate. Jun Amano’s spectacular free-kick in the 69th minute completed the scoring.
Despite substitutions aimed at sparking an offensive response, the Mariners were unable to trouble the Yokohama goalkeeper. The loss eliminates the Mariners from Champions League contention. Yokohama, meanwhile, temporarily tops the group, although their position could change depending on the result of the Gwangju vs. Shanghai Port match.
The Mariners will return to Champions League action in February, facing Johor Darul Ta’zim at home and Kawasaki Frontale in Japan. Their focus now shifts to the A-League, with a crucial match against Sydney FC this Sunday at Our Paradise.
First Piper 