Match Review & Preview
Review of the Previous Match Against Kashima Antlers
The opening match of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League for the 2025 season saw the Kashima Antlers, the league champions, face off at snowy Ajinomoto Stadium. Due to the bad weather, an orange ball was used to ensure visibility of the ball during the match.
Tokyo showed an aggressive attitude from the start. In the 2nd minute of the first half, Marcelo RYAN boldly pressed to take away the opponent's freedom, and in the 10th minute, Keito Sato quickly closed in to intercept the ball, breaking through the right side to create a chance.
While advocating soccer that connects passes, "Rikizo Tokyo" has upheld flexibility by incorporating sharp attacks. Even in situations where possession does not go as planned, they aim to break through with speedy attacks.
Kota Tokiwa, who earned a starting spot for the season opener, showed a strong performance from the first half. Playing as a defensive midfielder, he contributed not only defensively but also advanced into the opponent's penalty area to take shots. His first touch after winning the ball often turned into passes that launched quick counterattacks, demonstrating his presence in both offense and defense with his box-to-box play.
The game shifted in the 41st minute of the first half. Lukian, who was targeting Kashima's buildup, made a precise interception high up the pitch to win the ball. Kashima's Misao, who lost possession, pulled Lukian and was sent off immediately for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Tokyo gained a numerical advantage. Then, from the direct free kick awarded by this foul, Keita ENDO sharply struck the ball with his right foot into the lower right corner of the goal, allowing Tokyo to score the opening goal in the 44th minute of the first half.
However, just after entering first-half additional time, they conceded a goal from a scramble following a corner kick. At a time when they needed to be careful right after scoring, they unfortunately allowed a crucial equalizing goal from a set piece.
In the second half, Tokyo, with one extra player, dominated Kashima, but despite creating many chances, time passed without shaking the goal net. Tokyo's new players who came on as substitutes, including Ryunosuke SATO, Fuki YAMADA, and Kento HASHIMOTO, demonstrated their strengths on the pitch, but they could not break through Kashima's tenacious defense, and the match ended 1-1. Due to the special tournament regulations, the game proceeded to a penalty shootout.
After each team scored with three players, the fourth kick from Koike of Kashima was saved by the guardian Kim Seung-gyu of the Red and Blue. Tokyo took the lead with Kento HASHIMOTO scoring, and finally Ryunosuke SATO powerfully kicked straight down the center to secure the victory. Although issues such as conceding goals at certain times, the flow of the game, and lack of finishing ability remained, Tokyo earned 2 points by defeating the champion Kashima in the opening match. Tokyo got off to a good start at Ajinomoto Stadium toward the big goal of winning the championship.
This Week's Preview
They could not secure the 3 points. Issues also became clear. However, it was a game where steady progress could be felt. Taking positively the 2 points gained from Kashima Antlers in the opening match, the Red and Blue Army faces the Urawa Reds in the Meiji Yasuda J1 100-Year Vision League Sec. 2.
Possession football and short counters from high press, which have been worked on since the camp. The awareness of pursuing a flexible style that requires situational judgment was clearly felt from the players who stood on the pitch for the opening match. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also expressed his confidence, saying, "It is not about thoroughly connecting the ball, but about making decisions according to the situation. Since camp, we have been training to align our perspectives by anticipating various scenarios, so in the end, it is up to the players to judge, but to some extent, we were able to show the 'picture' the team envisions."
First, the awareness of high pressing led to the first goal of the season. From the start, the forward players chased hard, and Marcelo RYAN's sharp pressing caused the opposing player to receive a red card. While basing on fierce battles for the ball, we were able to connect that to a result. Captain Sei MUROYA said, "We are challengers, so if we really aim for the title, that fighting attitude is necessary in every match. While recognizing the challenges, it is important to correct them while winning," and he looked forward with determination.
The fighting spirit shown by the entire team, the scene that led to the sending off, and scoring the opening goal were all good. However, conceding a corner kick immediately afterward and allowing the equalizing goal is a major point for reflection. It was also a moment where we felt Kashima's toughness firsthand. Avoiding such lapses will determine whether we can become a team that wins with strong determination.
And one more thing, there were also issues with the finishing ability in the second half when attacking with a numerical advantage. If we don't finish properly, it could lead to disappointing results like before. Of course, breaking down Kashima, who raised their defensive awareness after being reduced to ten men, was not easy, but we still created many chances. Regarding this, the coach said, "There were moments when we couldn't finish or connect properly and ended up giving the ball to the opponent. We've been working hard on this in training this week." Since the team has been facing these challenges together, we want to pay attention to the team's growth as they aim to develop their composure in crucial moments.
Urawa, on the other hand, won their opening match 2-0 against JEF Chiba. They made a good start by showcasing aggressive play, utilizing the speed of their forwards in attack and more proactive defense from the front line than before, and are coming to Ajinomoto Stadium. For Tokyo, the key to victory lies in how to break through Urawa's traditionally strong defense and exploit their weak points while observing the opponent's moves.
The key point is definitely the opening goal. Motoki NAGAKURA, who officially joined the Red and Blue this season on a permanent transfer from Urawa, said, "I felt that Urawa's defense is solid because I played there as well. I think the opening goal will be important, so I want to aim for a goal while being conscious of both possession and the space behind the defense. This is the club that took care of me during my junior and senior high school academy days, and since I couldn't really show my play at Urawa, this time it will be an opportunity to show my skills," expressing his eagerness to repay with a goal.
Also, being able to play at home again following the Kashima match is a great boost for the team. Player Muroya said with a smile, "Everyone is highly motivated, and I think we can approach it with the same mindset as the Kashima match. The atmosphere at Ajinomoto Stadium gives the team confidence. I'm looking forward to it."
Tighten your helmet strap after winning──. Coach Matsuhashi emphasizes, "If you truly want to be at the very top, it is important not to be swayed by wins and losses, but to focus on each match right in front of you." Backed by the loud cheers from the stadium, and drawing on all their experiences, the Blue-Red Army vows to win every match and continue their winning streak at the season opener.
Interview with Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q. I think the high press we worked on during the camp was quite effective in the match against Kashima Antlers.A, that was really excellent, but the problem is that we haven't been able to score from it. I believe it's important not only to win the ball through pressing but also how we convert that into goals. If we can link that to scoring, the possibility of accumulating points increases. And as the number of goals increases, I think our standing will also change. Since this season is a short tournament, being able to finish decisively will be even more important.
Q. There were scenes of connecting passes as well as simply targeting behind the defense. I think what we are trying to do was clearly shown.
A, I believe it is not important to always keep possession thoroughly, but rather to make decisions according to the situation. This season, from the training camp onward, we have continuously built up training to align our perspectives by anticipating various scenarios. We want to reduce scenes like those from last season.
Q. What is your impression of Urawa Reds?
A, there are also speedy players up front, and they scored two goals early in the match against JEF United Chiba to secure the victory. I have the impression that they have a very talented lineup. However, how they will approach us in tomorrow's game is a different matter, and I don't necessarily think the Chiba match will be a useful reference. Nothing has drastically changed, but I expect them to come aggressively.
Q. What have you been focusing on in preparation for this week's match against Urawa?
AFirst, we focused on the area of conceding goals. I think one factor that led to conceding was that immediately after scoring, we failed to fully restore our balance and allowed a gap that resulted in giving away a corner kick on the next play. While set-piece defense is also important, it is crucial not to show any weaknesses. With that in mind, we have been preparing for the match against Urawa.
Player Interview
Motoki NAGAKURA
Q. In the match against Kashima Antlers, you secured victory after a penalty shootout.
A, honestly, I wanted to secure the win within 90 minutes. There were few opportunities where we could completely break down their defense, and even when we did, we couldn't finish decisively, which is something to reflect on. Forcing a shot is not the right approach, but even if far from the goal, if there is a chance to shoot, I believe we should have the mindset to take the shot. After the match, when watching the footage, there were moments where I wondered if taking a shot might have changed the outcome.
Q. How is your combination with Marcelo RYAN?
A, although the number was not large, we have played together since last season, so I don't think our combination is bad. However, in the match against Kashima, the two forwards were unable to score, so I believe that if either of us doesn't score, victory will slip away. If we play together, I want to combine our strengths and go for goals. Player Hian is dedicated in defense and is a player capable of scoring many goals, so I think one of my roles is to help bring out his strengths even more. I want to make sure to do what needs to be done in that regard as well.
Q. Urawa is a team with strong defense. What is important to score against such a team?
A, if we can successfully break the opponent's press, I believe we can control the game both mentally and physically. Therefore, how we manage to break the opponent's press will be a crucial factor that influences the outcome of the match. I think involving multiple players makes it easier to break the press, so I want to be mindful of the movement of the third player, including myself.
Q. How do you feel about being able to play two consecutive matches at Ajinomoto Stadium from the opening game?
A, since this is a short-term tournament, I thought it was important to build momentum from the very beginning to win. I’m happy that we can play consecutive home games from the start. When we play at Ajinomoto Stadium, we have strong support behind us, so being able to play consecutive matches in that environment is a blessing, and I want to firmly use that support as our strength to secure victory. Last time, we won in a penalty shootout, so I couldn’t truly celebrate from the heart. I think the fans and supporters also haven’t been able to fully rejoice, so tomorrow I want us to win decisively within 90 minutes and celebrate together.
Kota Tokiwa
Q. I believe it was your first time starting in the opening match since turning professional. Were you prepared from the preseason?
ALast season was quite frustrating for me, and the moment the season ended, I set a goal to definitely be in the starting lineup for the opening match of the 2026 season. I spent the off-season constantly thinking about what I could do for that, dedicating myself to football even more than during the season. If playing in the opening match was the initial goal, I set about three smaller goals to clear before that. By gradually achieving those, I was able to get into good condition before the season started and gained a good feeling and confidence during the camp. I truly feel that by steadily achieving the goals I set, I was able to take the necessary steps and play in the starting lineup for the opening match.
Q. At the timing of the team's start, you were able to organize in your mind what needed to be done, right?
AI clearly defined everything about what I need to do, what my challenges are, and what is expected of me. Last season, I mainly played in practice matches, so by watching footage of those matches and training sessions, I revisited my fundamentals and reanalyzed my strengths. Then, I prioritized and organized what I was lacking and what I needed to do to get game time, and once I did that, it all just clicked. Once your thoughts are organized, all that's left is to take action.
Q. Now that you have played in the opening match against Kashima Antlers, how much of what you prepared were you able to show?
A, on the contrary, I think last season's experience really helped me. In last season's Emperor's Cup match against the Urawa Reds, I suddenly played in the quarterfinals, and the first half was terrible. I was too tense at the start of the game and too focused on what was right in front of me. In the next league match I played, against Nagoya Grampus, I was able to perform well, and I really felt a sense of accomplishment. It wasn't exactly a success story from that time, but by combining the unsuccessful parts of the Urawa match with the successful experience from the Nagoya match, I gained a sense of when I am at my best. For the opening game, I was able to bring myself into that state, so I really entered the match well. I also have confidence that I was able to show my play. However, to be honest, I felt I played better in the preseason. There was the unique tension of an official match and the fact that the opponent in the opening game was last season's league champion team, but I still felt I could do better.
Q. Conversely, looking ahead, do you think that by letting go of unnecessary tension, you might start to see more things and gain more composure?
A, actually, that is the difficult part for me. I can't be too relaxed, and if I change something, I think it will become strange. Some people might find their rhythm that way, but on the contrary, it can make me too nervous, so I think it's best to stay calm. Also, by the second match, the opponent will have watched my footage and analyzed me. Honestly, I think Kashima probably didn't expect me to play, and because they didn't understand my strengths, I was able to show my best. The question for the second match is what I can do when the opponent understands my strengths well and tries to neutralize them. In that sense, I feel like "I've finally entered the professional world." In a way, I think the Urawa match might be more difficult than the Kashima match. In the opening game, I had nothing to lose and was able to play boldly. However, in the second match, when they think about strategies and countermeasures to eliminate my strengths, what I can do in response becomes important. If I overthink because it gets difficult, I definitely won't be able to move, so it will become even harder, but I also think that's the fun of football. How I can express myself in that situation is what matters most.
Q: Considering that you played in last season's match against Urawa, how do you view the key points for tomorrow's game?
A, Urawa was quite aggressive in pressing the opponent from the front line in the opening match, so they might be aiming for a high press. In response to that, rather than simply kicking the ball away during build-up, if we can overturn the pressing opponents, there will be vast space behind them, so the build-up phase is where I am expected to contribute. Also, Urawa's forward players are fast and many of them can break free individually with dribbling. Therefore, how much I can shut down the opponent defensively is important. I think the opponent will have the ball individually for longer than in the Kashima match, so completely stopping them and not just defending but also connecting to attack will be key. The opponent's fullbacks also join the attack, so shutting down the opponent completely, moving the ball forward, and then going out to finish the play—these two points are what I think are crucial.
