4/10 (Sun) vs Urawa Reds (Ajinomoto Stadium)
How to contain the "special"
The power dynamics between FC Tokyo and Urawa Reds vary depending on the period. Overall, Urawa has a significant lead in wins, but from the first encounter in the 2001 season to the 2003 season, Urawa has never defeated FC Tokyo in league matches.
However, from the 2004 season when coach Guido Buchwald took office, it became a period dominated by Urawa for a while. Although FC Tokyo managed 1 win and 3 draws in the 2012 and 2013 seasons after bouncing back from relegation to J2, there was an undefeated period for Urawa from the 2014 season to the 2019 season as Mihailo Petrovic's tactics took hold.
However, starting from the 2019 season, the second year under Kenta HASEGAWA's management, the situation changed dramatically once again. The long-standing home unbeaten record was also broken, and in both the 2019 and 2020 seasons, Urawa was unable to secure a single victory against FC Tokyo. It seemed as though the era of FC Tokyo's dominance was returning.
And this marks a turning point in history. The real challenge begins here. The 2021 season will be a groundbreaking year for both clubs. As mentioned in the preview column for the Yokohama FM match, it was the Marinos who handed over the baton to an era of FC Tokyo. However, wasn't it actually Urawa who first lit the fuse?
Urawa, who lost in the 'intensity showdown', took the helm a year earlier than FC Tokyo. They hired Ricardo RODRIGUEZ as their coach, aiming for a style that emphasizes ball possession and dominating the match by pushing the opponent back. This style of football was first showcased in the opening match of the 2021 season, which ended in a 1-1 draw, but it was a match where Urawa continued to control the ball and the game.
In the second round of Sec. 30, FC Tokyo took the lead in the first minute and aggressively attacked Urawa, but Urawa gradually regained composure and began to dominate. They pinned FC Tokyo in their own half and secured a comeback victory. From here, FC Tokyo suffered three consecutive losses, with a victory against Shimizu in between, leading up to the fateful November 6.
And now, the two teams will meet again this matchday. While both teams have started to aim for similar goals, Urawa has a slight edge in the depth of their style. However, FC Tokyo currently shows a greater ability to finish matches. Looking at their performance, it seems that FC Tokyo is in a better mental state. Urawa is struggling a bit. For Urawa, this match is crucial to regain confidence by containing FC Tokyo's powerful frontline.
The key point is how to contain each other's special players. Currently, the most dangerous player for Urawa is the newly signed David MOBERG. His dribbling, which charges vertically from the right side into the center, is sharp, and he possesses instant speed and a powerful shot. If he is in top form, he is a player who can give you a taste of 'the real deal from Europe.' The matchup with Yuto NAGATOMO alone is worth seeing.
Text by Yuichiro Okinaga (El Golazo Urawa Reds Correspondent)
