Glory lose ACL opener in Tokyo

Perth Glory's inaugural Asian Champions League campaign has got off to a shaky start, losing 1-0 to FC Tokyo in Japan on Tuesday night.

A stunning late strike in the 82nd minute from Brazilian Leandro was enough for the home side to secure the win, Perth unlucky not to emerge from the match with a share of the points.

Chances were hard to come by in the first half as FC Tokyo controlled territory and possession but couldn't put pressure on Glory keeper Liam Reddy, back three Tomislav Mrcela, Gregory Wuthrich and Alex Grant impressive throughout the match.

The game opened up somewhat in the second half, Bruno Fornaroli and Ivan Franjic missing gettable shots that would have put them ahead.

Star youngster Nick D'Agostino entered the game in the 73rd minute as a substitute, but couldn't find the back of the net as Leandro unleashed a stunning strike from just outside the box that evaded the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Reddy and found the back of the net.

It was one of only two shots on target for the night for FC Tokyo, who go to the top of the table in Group F with the result.

Glory's next ACL fixture is another away match against Korean outfit Ulsan Hyundai on March 4th, Brisbane Roar their next assignment in the A-League on Saturday.

IMAGE: MSN.