Match Review

Which side will seize the initiative first──. 

The playoff round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League features a ranking decider played in a home-and-away format between teams with the same standings from the East and West groups of the Regional League Round. Tokyo, who finished second in the East, boldly traveled to YANMAR HANASAKA STADIUM, the home of Cerezo Osaka, who placed second in the West. 

On this day, Tokyo made one change to the starting lineup from the final match of the Regional League Round against Kashima Antlers. Hayate TANAKA took the goal, and the back line from right to left consisted of Sei MUROYA, Alexander SCHOLZ, Hayato INAMURA, and Kento HASHIMOTO. The defensive midfielders were Kei KOIZUMI and Kota TOKIWA, with the attackers positioned as Keisuke SATO on the right and Keita ENDO on the left. Up front, Marcelo RYAN and Ryunosuke SATO formed the two-striker partnership. 

 1st―Hayate Makes Consecutive Fine Saves. 1-1 Going into the Second Half

From the very start, there was an intense battle for control. Tokyo was the first to make a move. At the 3rd minute of the first half, Hian broke free on a floated pass from Ryu Sato and took a shot. However, it failed to hit the target.  

Then, immediately at the 4th minute of the first half, FC Osaka quickly reacted to a loose ball in front of the goal, and Ohata took a mid-range shot. Hayate TANAKA stretched out his right hand to parry it away, denying the goal. 

Furthermore, in the 16th minute of the first half, from a scramble in front of the opponent's goal, Keito Sato and Hian took consecutive shots but were unable to shake the net.The intense battle for the ball continued afterward, resulting in a back-and-forth contest. 

The long-awaited opening goal came in the 36th minute of the first half.On the left side, Ryunosuke Sato, surrounded by three opponents, persevered and delivered the ball to Keita Endo.Endo carried the ball forward vertically and sent a grounded cross into the penalty area. This caused a clearance error by the opposing defender, and Tokyo took the lead through an own goal.

Then, a super save was made by the blue-red number 1. At the 39th minute of the first half, a cross was delivered from the right side, and although Sakuragawa connected with a header at the far post, Hayate TANAKA cleared it off the line, escaping a dangerous situation. 

However, just before the end of the first half, from a scramble inside their own penalty area, Shibayama pushed the ball in, bringing the match back to square one as they headed into the decisive second half. 

2nd―Early Goal by Hian Also Draw Leads to the 2nd Match

The match moved in the 4th minute of the second half. From a right corner kick, Kento HASHIMOTO chose a short corner. After passing through Tokiwa, Koizumi received the ball and sent a vertically spinning floating ball, into which Hian dived at the near side and headed the ball into the net, pulling ahead once again. 

Having taken the lead, the blue and red wanted to build on their momentum, but small mistakes gave the opposition chances to counterattack. 

In the 31st minute of the second half, the Tokyo bench made a move. Masato MORISHIGE was brought on to replace Kento HASHIMOTO. Inamura was positioned as left side back to strengthen the defense. Furthermore, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, a trump card, was introduced to replace Endo in an attempt to push back. 

However, three minutes later, from a scramble inside the box, player Nobori pushed through and leveled the score once again. 

Fueled by the home crowd's support,to stop Cerezo Osaka's momentum, at the 41st minute of the second half,the manager brought on veteran Keigo HIGASHI and Fuki YAMADA, both making their first appearances of the season. From there, both defenses held firm until the end without yielding. The match ended2-2. The battle for third place in the overall standings was6month6day at home,MUFGStadium (Japan National Stadium), where thesecondleg was carried over to. 

Interview with Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI

Q, please review the game.
A, in terms of the flow, we were able to take the lead first. However,we conceded a goal from an attack typical of Cerezo Osaka, and I think it turned into a very regrettable game. If we had been able to demonstrate a little more of what we had prepared for such situations, I feel it was a match we could have ended with 3 points. Even so, the players worked hard on what they had prepared, and we want to make good preparations again for the next match. 

Q. Was the substitution of Marcelo RYAN and Teruhito NAKAGAWA due to an accident?
A. Marcelo RYAN had a slight cramp in his leg. As for Teruhito NAKAGAWA, it was a difficult situation to decide whether he could continue playing, but ultimately he was in a condition to play. However, it was a period when the opponent had momentum, and we wanted to avoid being temporarily short-handed. As a result, we ended up not being able to make it in time for the set piece, which I think was a very dangerous situation. Considering all of that, I made the decision to substitute. 

Q. Please tell us the reason for bringing in Masato MORISHIGE and changing Hayato INAMURA’s position.
A. It was partly to deal with the opponent’s aerial threat. The opponent has not only speedy players but also players strong in hold-up play and aerial duels. Also, with RIAN not on the field, we had to ensure strength in defending set pieces. Offensively, there were moments when we advanced the ball from the left side, but the fluidity and good distribution were insufficient. We would have liked to use Kento HASHIMOTO as well, but he had a slight injury in the first half. Considering these circumstances, I also expected INAMURA’s feeding ability and made the decision. It was a substitution made after considering multiple factors.. 

Q, Cerezo Osaka targeted balls behind the defense and crosses. Although we were able to handle it in the early stages, gradually there were more moments when the opponent got the better of us. How do you view the defensive aspect?
A, The opponent is a team that not only attacks behind the defense but also simply uses the central route from their build-up. We were focused on firmly closing down the center, but there were moments when the timing of our pressing and responding to their runs did not align well. Even so, it is important to maintain our positions carefully so as not to be exploited by the opponent, and when pressed, everyone must thoroughly prevent them from using the center. Unfortunately, I think there were parts where we were not able to do this well. 

Q, I think it was a frustrating draw, but how do you want to build on this match going forward?
A, I believe the players were able to fully grasp Cerezo Osaka’s characteristics and style of play through this match. Many of the things we anticipated also came to light. Rather than trying something new, I think it is necessary to further refine what we are currently working on. We want to steadily prepare for that. 

Q, please tell us the intention behind bringing Keigo HIGASHI on in the final stages.
A, although it was for a short period, I do not believe in settling for a draw away from home. I sent him out with the message that we are going for the win. He possesses high technical skills and tactical insight, and I believed that if he could demonstrate those abilities, he would definitely create chances. I brought him on with those expectations. 

Player Interview

Marcelo RYAN

Q, please review the game.
A, I think it was a generally good match. As a team, we were able to play well. Regarding the two occasions when we conceded goals, they involved some minor mistakes on our part, but aside from that, I believe we played a good game.

Q, how do you evaluate your own performance?
A, I think I was able to play well, and I would be happy if I could contribute to the team even a little on the pitch. However, more importantly, the fact that the entire team was able to play well is what matters, and I believe this result will lead to the next step.

Q, please review the goal scene.
A, it was a goal that came from a pattern we have been working on in training. I was able to properly express what we practiced during the match, and I’m glad it led to a goal.

Q, the next match will be the final game of this season. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, I am looking forward to playing at home in front of many fans and supporters and being able to compete in such a wonderful atmosphere. I want to work hard to secure a victory and finish this season in third place.

Q. Please give a message to all the fans and supporters.
A, the entire team is working hard for victory. In the next home game, I look forward to spending a wonderful time together with everyone and celebrating the win. Please come and support us at the stadium. 

Kei KOIZUMI

Q. The final touch on the second goal (the assist) was a very precise cross. Looking back, how do you feel about it?
A, in that situation, it wasn’t originally my role to deliver the cross, but I thought it would be better if I did it at that timing, so I kicked the ball. I figured if I just kicked it around that area, Marcelo RYAN would handle it well. In the end, I think it turned out well. 

Q. Was it not Koizumi who took that during practice?
A, well, originally it wasn’t supposed to be me. But I think Kyota Tokiwa assessed the opponent’s situation and, based on my first touch, thought some pressure might be coming. I was free, and I felt it was better for me to cross the ball rather than awkwardly pass it back there, so I think being able to respond flexibly was a good thing. 

Q. In past official matches as well, you have delivered good crosses near the goal. Did you originally have that sense and confidence?
A, If I kick without thinking much, the ball often gets caught near the near post, so I try not to overthink it and focus when I kick, but I avoid kicking with a forced image in mind. I think that approach led to a good outcome. 

Q. Speaking more generally, it was your first start in a while as an individual. What kind of mindset did you have going into the match?
A, I started the match in the starting lineup during a tough time for the team after missing out on the championship. But it wasn’t just me; everyone was well prepared, so I decided to go with that and entered the game with the mindset of not overthinking things. 

Q. Various good aspects were shown, and I think the coordination with Tokiwai in particular was excellent. It seemed like a perfect harmony, and the exchanges were smooth.
A, I always talked with Tokiwа about staying close to each other. When he had the ball, I was by his side, and vice versa. We managed to maintain a good sense of distance, but I think we can do even better. 

Q. The match ended in a draw, creating a simple situation where winning the second game will secure third place. How do you feel heading into next week's home game?
A, I think it’s positive to take one point away from an away game. It was quite a tough match today, and the sudden heat made it even harder, but I think everyone fought tough. We want to finish strong by securing a solid win in the last match at MUFG Stadium.

Hayate TANAKA Player

Q, I think you must be feeling both a sense of accomplishment and frustration. First, please look back on the moment you saved the headed shot in the first half.
A, I need to watch the footage again to be sure, but I had a certain image of his strengths, so I think I was prepared for that.

Q, I think you were able to properly position yourself near the touchline to block the ball that seemed like it could get past the side. What are your thoughts on that?
A, that scene was purely a reaction, so I don’t remember it. The fact that I couldn’t defend it shows where I currently stand and that I’m a goalkeeper of this level. Despite having injured players, everyone really worked hard, and I feel sorry that in the end I couldn’t lead us to victory.

Q, Won't that conceded goal become a learning experience?
A, yes, being scored on in two consecutive matches during that time period is, as I mentioned earlier, a reflection of where I currently stand. I still don't think I am suitable as a regular player, and I definitely want to become a player who can be entrusted with this team's goal.

Q, There is one match next week where we have a chance to make a comeback.
A, having played in these two consecutive matches, I feel very frustrated that I have not been able to help secure a win. However, with so many fans and supporters coming to cheer us on, I fully understand their feelings and want to prove my worth in the end. I believe we have gained some confidence as the opponent made various changes in the second half, so it will be a tough match. We will prepare thoroughly as a team and aim to have a good game.

Sei MUROYA Player

Q, You took the lead twice but were caught twice as well. How did you feel about the flow of the game while on the pitch?
A, until the score became 2-1, there were periods when we were under pressure, but as a team, there were no particular problems, and I think I was able to manage the game well myself. However, if we concede a goal at that point, it inevitably leads to the opponent pressing us. That’s why I believe this was a match where we had to hold firm at 2-1 and finish it, so it was truly a regrettable game.

Q. It has been about a week since the match was decided. Were you able to express what you prepared against Cerezo Osaka?
A, I think we were able to show what the team had prepared. However, in terms of how the match unfolded, rather than us taking full control, it became a situation where we had to skillfully manage and carry the game forward. In that sense, there were parts where we ended up playing a match that adapted to the opponent’s style.

Q. The next match will be at home, at MUFG Stadium. Based on today's match result, how will you approach it?
A, I believe that being able to play the final match at home is a great opportunity for us. We want to finish strong with a solid win on our home ground.

Q. Please give a message to the fans and supporters ahead of the final match.
AWe will firmly show our strength through our play and fight to finish with a win in the final home game. Please come and support us at the stadium.