Match Review & Preview
Review of the Previous Match Against Kashima Antlers
The final regional league round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League against Kashima Antlers, who unfortunately lost the chance to overturn and win the championship. Yuto NAGATOMO, selected for the Japan national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Kim Seung-gyu, who was announced as part of the South Korean national team, were left out of the bench, but this match was one where the team aimed to firmly demonstrate the progress made so far by securing a victory with the pride and spirit of the blue and red.
From the start, Tokyo showed a strong defensive awareness as a team, pressing the opponent with immediate ball recovery and press-back tactics. They truly expressed the “Tokyo style” on the pitch by linking solid defense to effective offense, fighting hard with a mix of build-up play from their own half and sharp counterattacks. Defensively, they managed the game without allowing Kashima to create any clear chances as time progressed.
The Blue Reds went into the half with the score still goalless and continued to show their strengths unchanged after halftime. Against Kashima, who increased their pressure from the front line, they avoided the press with one-touch passes that cleverly adjusted angles and distances from the back line. They carefully connected passes in tight spaces while looking for scoring opportunities.
However, in the 35th minute of the second half, they were caught off guard for a moment. After midfielder Chinen skillfully intercepted the ball, it was carried forward and a through pass was played, allowing substitute Muraoka to break free and score. It was a goal that broke the situation instantly, just like Kashima, and they fell behind by one goal.
In the final stages, Tokyo, aiming for a comeback, launched attacks with Keito Sato’s mid-range shot and Marcelo RYAN’s sharp shot, but neither bore fruit. The match ended 0-1 as it was. As a result, they finished second in the EAST group, and in the playoff round of the same tournament starting May 30, they will face Cerezo Osaka, who finished second in the WEST group, to compete for third and fourth place in the overall standings.
This Week's Preview
A match competing for the highest attainable position.
This season, Cerezo Osaka has embraced 'Attacking Football,' and after a process of trial and error, they achieved three consecutive wins in the final stages, slipping into second place at the last moment. Head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI said, "We have also been closely watching the games in the WEST group," and shared his impressions as follows.
"They give the impression of playing very aggressive and detail-oriented collective soccer both offensively and defensively. They incorporate fluid movements and arrange themselves in a way that makes it difficult to mark players, so we want to face them with a compact formation. If we can apply pressure at the point of ball recovery, it will lead to one of our strengths, the short counterattack. If the opponent is wary of that, we also want to be well prepared for secondary options. Since there are similarities between the two teams, I think it will come down to who can control the tempo and rhythm of the match."
There are players absent in this playoff round due to national team duties. The coach expressed his expectations for the players stepping in, saying, "Rather than just filling the gaps, I believe they can bring a different kind of contribution in a way."
Hayate TANAKA, who also took the pitch in the final match of the EAST group, was one of those eagerly awaiting these two games. He passed through as the leader and had envisioned the scenario of "taking everything" in the Final Round, but that did not come true.
However, hearing 'You’ll never walk alone.' resonate throughout Mercari Stadium in the final round, he was inspired once again.
"Above all, even though we missed out on the championship, we have fans and supporters who cheer for us until the very end. They will surely lend us their strength in the match against Cerezo Osaka as well. For their sake, I want us to keep fighting until the end. I want these two matches to be ones that give them a sense of hope for next season."
The preparations are complete.
"Personally, I want to channel everything I felt during the Kashima Antlers match, the frustration I've held inside all season, and the emotions I've bottled up. Even so, my strength lies in being able to calmly choose my plays. I want to express that. I had hoped it would be a match to decide the championship, but regardless, I want to be the one to close out this special tournament."
Boldly charging into YANMAR HANASAKA STADIUM and bringing back 3 points. The key player for this will be the blue and red number 1.
Interview with Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q. You will be facing Cerezo Osaka in consecutive matches within a short period. How do you plan to approach these games?
A, this season we have faced FC Machida Zelvia and Yokohama F.Marinos within relatively short intervals, so I don't think it's anything unusual. Therefore, rather than trying to probe the opponent's approach, it is important to focus on how to fight the match in front of us, and then think about what comes next.
Q. You did not face each other in the Regional League Round, but what is your impression of the current Cerezo Osaka?
A, it’s not that I started watching only after the match was decided; I have also been closely following the WEST Group games. There were times when their momentum seemed to wane, but they recovered from that and have climbed up the rankings. I think they are a team that plays very aggressive and well-organized collective football, with attention to detail in both offense and defense.
Q. I think they are a team with strong attacking power when they get into a rhythm, but how do you plan to repel their attacking strength?
A, it is important not to get too caught up in the opponent’s pace. They take positions that are hard to mark while incorporating fluid movements, but if we maintain compactness and apply strong pressure to win the ball at the right moments, we can then connect to one of our strengths, the short counterattack. If the opponent becomes wary of that, we can consider secondary attacking options. Since both teams share similar traits, I think the key will be which side can control the tempo and rhythm.
Q: Although it is only a half-season, we are entering the final stages, and due to injuries and the absence of national team players, some players will have new opportunities to play. What are your expectations for them?
A, there may be players who have not had many opportunities to play who could be included in the squad, but judging from how the players usually are, they always prepare well no matter the situation. Whoever plays, it is not a matter of being a weak point or just filling a gap; rather, I believe they will bring a different color to the team than before.
Q. Among them, goalkeeper Hayate TANAKA, who played in the final round of the regional league ground, has had few opportunities to play but has prepared well. How do you see him as a coach?
A, truly, the word that comes to mind is 'wonderful.' He is always facing himself and working hard, and I feel that he grows by observing those around him and incorporating good things into himself. I also talk with the goalkeeper coach, and sometimes I get asked questions as well, but I believe he is showing his strengths—his own unique qualities that Kim Seung-gyu does not have—through creativity and ingenuity. He is not imitating anyone or acting as a substitute; by fully expressing his own style, I think he is contributing to the team.
Q. There is a significant difference in prize money and other rewards between 3rd and 4th place, but how will you approach the playoff round once again?
A, to be honest, I’m not focused on that. Those things come afterward. First, we want to stay true to ourselves, firmly apply what we have built up so far against Cerezo Osaka, aim for victory, and show plays at the stadium that increase our chances of winning. I believe it is important to fight with the passion necessary to draw that outcome closer.
Player Interview
Hayate TANAKA
Q: The match against Kashima Antlers was your first competitive appearance in a while. It wasn’t a game with many defensive situations, so wasn’t it a difficult match for you as a goalkeeper?
A, looking back over the full 90 minutes, I was very frustrated. There are various discussions about whether that was Kashima’s style of play or the content of the match, but to some extent, it was something I already understood. Even though I didn’t get playing time during the consecutive matches, I knew that Kim Seung-gyu wouldn’t be available for the last two or three games, so even though I didn’t know how many matches I would be able to play, my desire to win was very strong. For me, it didn’t matter if it was gritty or anything else—I was solely focused on winning. Although we lost the Kashima match, being able to play calmly is probably one of my strengths, so I want to keep focusing on that moving forward.
Q. Given the limited playing opportunities, are there any difficulties in coordinating with the field players?
A, Not having played in matches throughout the past six months and lacking communication during actual games is certainly a challenge. However, making excuses about that won’t help, so I have to firmly do the work I can. Naturally, during practice, we communicate about what we want in certain situations, and I believe that carries over directly into the matches.
Q. You mentioned the word "calm" earlier. How is your preparation going for the next match against Cerezo Osaka following the game against Kashima?
A, as expected, the teams at the top of the J1 League have quality in the finishing phase. While how to defend against that is also important, it ultimately comes down to keeping a clean sheet. Even if that is not possible, my job is to limit the opponent’s goals to fewer than theirs by at least one. I want to try to achieve that in the next two matches.
Q. What kind of impression do you have of Cerezo Osaka? They finished the regular season with three consecutive wins and seem to have momentum.
A, Nakajima and Yokoyama left a strong impression as players who performed well in the J2 League, and the team seems to have many players capable of expressing various ideas. I think they have momentum from winning three consecutive games so far, and since the first match will be at their home ground, they will likely leverage that advantage. On the other hand, our strength is also in fast-paced attacks similar to theirs, so we want to make sure to bring that out firmly. However, if the game becomes too open, it could bring out their strengths, so I think we need to control the match ourselves throughout. Above all, we are committed to keeping a clean sheet and conceding fewer goals than the opponent. We are determined to win no matter what.
Kota TAWARATSUMIDA
Q. You have been coming on as a substitute repeatedly. What do you focus on when entering the match?
AI enter the match with the determination to absolutely change the flow. I especially focus on plays directed toward the goal, always thinking about delivering a complete cross or finishing with a shot. I believe that if I can consciously express these actions, the flow will inevitably shift.
Q. Although your playing time in matches has been limited, how do you feel about your coordination with those around you?
A, Kento HASHIMOTO supports me in a way that makes it easier for me to play. Besides that, I also talk a lot with Hayato INAMURA. They understand my characteristics well, so there are no issues with our coordination. Overall, communication has increased, and I myself have been able to communicate with more people than before.
Q: The team has not been able to score in two consecutive matches.
A, I think we are lacking calmness in the final moments. Additionally, if we can increase the number of players entering the penalty area, I believe the chances of scoring will also improve.
Q: What is your impression of Cerezo Osaka?
A, I have a very strong impression that they are very offensive. Against such an opponent, I think it is necessary to defend firmly. I want to communicate well and call out to the players behind me as we play. I don’t yet know if I will start or come on as a substitute, but I want to always play proactively aiming for goals.
Q: There are only two matches left this season.
A, I want to make these last two matches meaningful for next season by winning both and finishing the league on a good note. Please fight alongside us. We appreciate your support.
