TOKYOism

Match Review

The battle for the J League Cup. Tokyo faced Omiya Ardija at the away NACK5 Stadium in the 2nd Round of the 1st Round. This match, held in a knockout format, will be decided after 90 minutes of regular time, extra time, and a penalty shootout. Additionally, it is important to note that VAR is not implemented in the 1st Round.

After four days since the match against Kashiwa Reysol in the 10th round of the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League last Friday, Tokyo made significant changes to the starting lineup. Go HATANO, who has not played since the first match against Nara Club, was appointed as the goalkeeper. The final line consisted of three players from the right: Yasuki KIMOTO, Seiji KIMURA, and Henrique Trevisan. The defensive midfielders were Keigo HIGASHI and Kei KOIZUMI, while the wingers were Yuto NAGATOMO on the right and Soma ANZAI on the left. Additionally, Maki KITAHARA was named in the starting lineup for the first time in an official match as an inside half, entrusted with the central role in the attack alongside Ewerton.

The team adopts a 3-4-2-1 system with Marcelo RYAN, who is expected to score his first goal in blue and red, as the lone striker. The team is currently in a tough situation, winless in their last 7 league matches, but they want to turn the tide by advancing firmly to the 3rd Round. The match kicked off at 19:03 in a stadium that felt slightly chilly.

1st HALF—Took control but did not lead to a goal

Tokyo controlled the ball from the start. They pressed into the opponent's territory while looking for opportunities. The first shot was taken by RIAN. From the left side of the penalty area, he swung his right foot and actively aimed for the goal.

The match progresses with Tokyo attacking while connecting passes and Omiya aiming for counterattacks. In the 11th minute of the first half, Henrique made a run down the left side to the goal line and provided a shot-like ball, earning a corner kick. He showed bold movements to bring depth to the team's overall attack. Furthermore, from the 15th minute of the first half, chances were created from corner kicks on both sides. In the 17th minute, Ewerton approached the opponent's goal with a powerful left-footed shot from distance.

Tokyo has been dominating the match from the beginning, earning many set pieces. They have also responded well to the opponent's counterattacks and managed to win the ball with aggressive pressing from the front line. In the 22nd minute of the first half, they showed coordinated defense on the right side, cutting the ball at a high position. Kitahara received it in the center and aimed with his left foot, unleashing a powerful long-range shot, but the ball went just slightly to the right of the goal. With a frustrated expression, the player wearing number 53 looked up to the sky, while the blue and red supporters behind the goal chanted "Maki."

From the 30th minute of the first half, Omiya created chances with a powerful attack that involved multiple players, but the blue-red defense responded with focused defending, not allowing the net to shake.

Tokyo quickly regained possession and firmly connected the ball to take control. In the 34th minute of the first half, RIAN provided a sharp cross inside the penalty area, and Nagatomo jumped in from the far side towards the goal. Furthermore, in the 36th minute, Kitahara stole the ball with a press from the front line and initiated a dribble, taking a left-footed shot from a quick step. In the 41st minute, Everton cut in from a ball connected with RIAN and Nagatomo near the penalty area, delivering a powerful left-footed shot from mid-range. This just barely went over the goal, but they created several close chances. Just before the end of the first half, from Everton's right corner kick, RIAN headed the ball but missed to the right of the goal, failing to score.

In the 3 minutes of additional time, it seemed that a first goal was conceded from a set piece, but the assistant referee raised the offside flag, avoiding disaster, and the match reached halftime with a score of 0-0.

2nd HALF—Long-awaited Hian's first goal for the Red and Blue, but caught up and heading to overtime

Tokyo wants to capitalize on early chances. The second half starts with an attack that simply uses Lucas RIAN's movement, and at the 2nd minute of the second half, Nagatomo delivers a sharp cross from intricate passing work in the vital area. Although this was punched away by the opposing goalkeeper, Tokyo continues to take the initiative in the second half.

In the 56th minute, while searching for a breakthrough on the right side with multiple connections, Higashi's idea and technique changed the course of the match. The player wearing number 10 delivered a skillful lob pass from the right side just in front of the goal, where Koizumi made a chest trap and Nagatomo returned it with his right foot, allowing RIAN, who was waiting at the far side, to score the long-awaited first goal in blue and red. A creative pass from Higashi changed the situation in an instant, showcasing a brilliant combination, and they finally succeeded in taking the lead.

Omiya made four consecutive substitutions, prompting Tokyo's coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI to take action as well. Kosuke SHIRAI replaced Nagatomo, Kento HASHIMOTO came on for Higashi, and Ewerton was substituted for the right side, while Sato Eiin was brought in as the right inside half. The introduction of these three players, known for their outstanding hard work, sends a message of an aggressive approach in both offense and defense. Furthermore, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Teppei OKA was utilized as the left stopper in place of Kimura. Gabriel HENRIQUE was moved to the center of the back line to invigorate the defense.

However, in the 37th minute of the second half, we allowed a cross from the opponent's counterattack after they changed to a four-back system, and we conceded a goal when Sugimoto, who came on as a substitute, connected in the center. The match was brought back to square one.

In the 43rd minute of the second half, from a hold by player Hian, player Koizumi connected, and player Kitahara, who made a run, aimed for a shot, but it went straight to the opposing goalkeeper.

In the 5 minutes of added time displayed in the second half, Takahiro KO came in for Koizumi. He took the position of a defensive midfielder.

Tokyo, aiming for a comeback, saw Sato being brought down near the penalty area, but the referee ruled no foul. Furthermore, Henrique headed the right corner kick taken by Anzai, but the ball went over the bar. The whistle for the end of the second half blew, and the match went into extra time.

What supports the players heading into overtime is the loud "Tokyo" chant echoing from behind the goal. Player Anzai further rallies the passionately singing fans and supporters with both hands, encouraging unity in the fight. Player Taka, having received the captain's armband from player Koizumi, energizes the huddle and inspires the team with a loud voice. United in blue and red, they strive together to secure their ticket to the 3rd Round.

Then, in the 8th minute of extra time, the player wearing number 19 shines for the second time today. Takahashi, who stole the ball in midfield, carried it forward and made a long through pass into the space ahead. Here, Lucas RIAN broke free, evaded one defender with a vertical move, and slotted the ball into the goal, successfully taking the lead. He scored the second goal in his signature style, which he had perfected during his time at Sagan Tosu, allowing Tokyo to take a step forward.

It was just after the display of an additional minute of stoppage time. Player Hashimoto connected the ball on the left side of his own half and fed it forward. Player Julian broke free and made a solo run with a high-speed dribble, scoring a sharp right-footed shot from a left diagonal 45-degree angle into the right side netting, achieving a hat trick. With overwhelming finishing ability, he pulled away from Omiya, taking a two-goal lead as they headed into extra time.

In the 8th minute of extra time, Kanta DOI was brought in as a right winger to replace Kitahara, who had been fighting hard in his first start. Shirai was moved to the left side, strengthening the defense on the right side as they aimed to close out the match. They fought through the 2 minutes of added time in the second half of extra time and reached the final whistle. Shonan Bellmare secured their ticket to the 3rd Round.

The thoughts of each individual striving for victory overflowed in the stadium.

Substitute player Shirai contributed to both offense and defense with overwhelming running ability, while Hashimoto controlled the game with precise judgment. Starting players Kitahara and Anzai continued to run without losing their stamina even into extra time. And the ace, who had been holding back, finally proved his strength with results. Everyone showed a determination not to lose in battles for the ball, continuing to run and displaying focused play until the end. The players on the bench stood up and kept encouraging from the pitch, while the packed fans and supporters behind the away goal fought together, inspiring the team with loud cheers.

Continuing to run, continuing to fight, and continuing to cheer together as one in blue and red, we achieved victory. What we gained away at Omiya is not small. The 120 minutes of battle we showed on this day will surely lead to future success.

The players who triumphed in the fierce battle were greeted with smiles to the chant of "Take the Cup!"

MATCH DETAILS

<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Yasuki KIMOTO/Yuto NAGATOMO (Second half 23 min: Kosuke SHIRAI)/Henrique Trevisan/Seiji KIMURA (Second half 32 min: Teppei OKA)
MF Soma ANZAI/Keigo HIGASHI (Second half 23 min: Kento HASHIMOTO)/Kei KOIZUMI (Second half 45+2 min: Hiroshi TAKAO)/Maki KITAHARA (Extra time second half 8 min: Kanta DOI)
FW Marcelo Hyan/Ewerton Gaudino (Second half 23 min: Yoshimasa SATO)

SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA/Teruhito NAKAGAWA

MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI

GOAL
11th minute of the second half: Marcelo RYAN/8th minute of extra time: Marcelo RYAN/15+1 minute of extra time: Marcelo RYAN

<RB Omiya Ardija>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Yuki KATO
DF Niki URAKAMI/Takashi NAKAYAMA (7 minutes into extra time: Rikiya MOTEGI)/Shosaku YASUMITSU
MF Kaishin SEKIGUCHI/Teppei YACHIDA/Makoto ABE (18 minutes into the second half: Gabriel)/Takuya WADA (32 minutes into the second half: Masato KOJIMA)
FW CAPRINI (20 minutes into the second half: Kazushi FUJII)/Takamitsu TOYAMA (20 minutes into the second half: Oriola SUNDAY)/Katsuya NAKANO (18 minutes into the second half: Kenyu SUGIMOTO)

SUBS
GK Kou SHIMURA
DF Wakaba SHIMOGUCHI/Shunya SAKAI

MANAGER
Tetsu NAGASAWA

GOAL
37th minute of the second half: Kenyu SUGIMOTO

[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]

Q, please review the game.
It may have been a tough battle, but I am very happy that we were able to achieve victory. I am also very pleased to be able to deliver this long-awaited victory to the fans and supporters who came to the venue.

Regarding the game, we had several chances from the early stages of the first half but couldn't finish them. In the second half, we were able to score in a good way, but afterwards, although we were not careless, we conceded a regrettable goal. The opponents were also fighting desperately, and there are always moments when they create chances, so I think we should have been able to firmly suppress those. However, the players fought with all their might for the full 120 minutes to seize victory themselves. I believe it was very good that this effort led to a win.

Q: Please tell us the reason for using Maki KITAHARA in the starting lineup.
A, whether to be included in the members or not, or to participate from the middle, I am not making a plan, but I am always considering when to use them. This time, I had the expectation of starting and seeing how much I could do within 90 minutes. I have been able to express good performance in training, and I felt that this game was the right opportunity, so I decided to use them as a starter this time.

I think there were some good parts, but I believe he is still a player who can do more. So, I also feel that a little more time might be necessary. Whether today is a good experience or a bitter one depends on him, but I hope he can make use of it in the next game.

Q: It was a heartfelt match that changed the flow of the team despite the ongoing tough situation. Please evaluate this match again.
A, in the midst of a very tough battle in the league, today's match came after a game where we let three points slip away right in front of us. It was truly a difficult situation. I believe that the fact they were able to bounce back from that reflects their strong determination. Not just them, but all of us involved with the team, including the staff, have continuously sought how greedy we can be about that. I think that is what allowed us to bring about the result of victory.

The important part is how we apply this to the next game. Even now, in the locker room, we said we won't let anyone say they're tired. We talked about the next game coming up soon. With that in mind, let's recover well from here. In that sense, we also talked about going home early.

[Player Interview]
＜Marcelo RYAN＞

Q, it has become a battle of 120 minutes.
I am very tired. But I am very happy.

Q. After scoring your first goal, you continued to score consecutively.
We have been practicing hard to score goals and to win as a team. I am really happy that we were able to score and that the team won, and I want to build on this from here.

Q, please review each goal.
For the first goal, it was a good build-up, and I just had to push it in. For the second goal, I received a through pass from Takahiro KO, and I was able to stay calm, so I managed to get around the goalkeeper and score. For the third goal, Kento HASHIMOTO gave me a good ball, and I think it was a goal where I just had to finish it off.

Q. There were matches since the opening where passes rarely reached player Hian, but I felt that the team has started to understand how to make the most of player Hian.
Up until now, there were times when I started moving but the pass didn't come, or I was slow to start and missed the timing. However, today I was able to score in a good way, so I want to adjust more and increase the number of good plays like today.

Q, Next, goals in the league matches are expected.
Yes, that's right. There is another important league match on Sunday, so I want to score a goal and help the team win.

<Yuto NAGATOMO>

Q, please review the game.
We had many good situations with our defense pressing from the front, and we were able to create opportunities to shoot. I believe there were many positive moments in terms of how we defended. By pressing from the front, there were times when we were countered and allowed shots against us, but I think we can correct that moving forward. While pressing from the front does come with certain risks, we need to manage those risks effectively as a team, ensuring we stop the opposition when necessary.

There were times in the final stages of the second half when we were pushed back, but rather than becoming passive just because we were under pressure, we need to be able to play aggressive defense by moving forward. Otherwise, we won't be able to create chances, and the team will become increasingly exhausted. I believe this is something we must correct.

Q: How was the offensive performance?
A, there were more chances in the recent matches than before, and of course, scoring goals was a significant achievement. I believe we were able to show fluidity in our attack today, where not just the forwards but all players from the back were involved. I want to continue sharing that image moving forward.

Q: Player Nagatomo also played a role in receiving the ball inside and switching on the attack.
The reason I was able to get into that position is that it wasn't an attack relying solely on individuals. It was because of the support from the defensive midfielder and the fact that one of the center-backs created a situation of numerical superiority, which increased the options for movement and passing.

The first goal today came from Keigo HIGASHI, with another defensive midfielder, Kei KOIZUMI, moving up that far, and it was the third player's movement that broke down the defense. Until now, the defensive midfielders would pass among themselves in their positions, and the forwards had to individually break through to create chances. But now, with the defensive midfielders involved and the center backs also joining in combinations, we create numerical superiority and cause the opponent's formation to shift. Coach Matsuhashi expects this kind of attack from us, and if we can improve the precision in these areas, we can score more goals. I think we saw signs of that today.

Q: How will you carry this victory into the league matches?
Having struggled in the league matches, we will turn this victory into our confidence, and with the Cerezo Osaka match coming up soon, we will do our best to deliver a win to all the fans and supporters.

<Maki KITAHARA>

Q: How did you feel spending last night after hearing about your first starting lineup?
As a team, I am happy to have been given the opportunity to start in a difficult situation where we have not been able to win in official matches, and at the same time, my determination to "make it happen" has increased. I wanted to repay the trust of Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI and the staff who decided to use me as a starter with results. Considering that, while we were able to achieve victory as a team, I feel regret for not being able to deliver results as an individual.

Q: Before the match, what kind of encouragement did you receive from your seniors and Coach Matsuhashi?
A, there were many positive words from everyone, such as "Just play as you usually do without being nervous, and you'll be fine" and "It's okay to make mistakes, so play boldly," which were very encouraging for me to play comfortably.

Q: You stood out in scenes where you actively aimed for the goal from the inside half position.
In a difficult situation where the team has continued a winless streak in official matches, I was given the chance to start, and I felt that if I missed this opportunity, I wouldn't know when the next one would come. For me, today was a big chance. I have regrets that I couldn't show this seized opportunity through results or numbers. If I am given another chance, I want to contribute to the team with results and numbers next time.