Match Review
In the previous match, we achieved a convincing victory against Albirex Niigata in an away game, and this week, the blue and red players have returned home to secure their first win of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium. There are two changes in the starting lineup from the match against Niigata, with the reliable center-back Masato MORISHIGE returning to the starting lineup for the first time in six matches. Diego OLIVEIRA, who scored his first goal of the season in the Niigata match, also started on the pitch for the first time in eight matches.
Fans and supporters filled the goal area with blue and red at home Ajinomoto Stadium for victory. To bring the joy of victory to their "home," the team pushed forward with Tokyo's colors from the beginning, closing in on the Kyoto SANGA F.C. goal.
1st HALF—Kashif's first goal at Ajinomoto and Diego's goal give a 2-point lead
It was a lightning-fast opening goal.
Diego TABA collected the loose ball in midfield and simply dropped it to Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who then spread the ball to Soma ANZAI on the right side. Soma, gaining speed, opted for a direct cross, which didn't reach Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who was making a run, but Kashif BANGNAGANDE came charging in from behind at full speed and struck with his left foot. Although the shot hit the opposing defender, it still found its way into the goal net.
The voltage in the stadium surged after the opening goal in the 4th minute, and the team continued to press towards the Kyoto goal. However, as they struggled to secure an additional goal, Kyoto gradually regained their composure and took back the pace of the game.
Even so, in the 15th minute of the first half, during a critical moment, Morishige defended against a header from Hara, who connected with Toyokawa's cross, ensuring that the shot did not reach the goal by staying close to him and maintaining concentration in the penalty area, preventing a goal.
Then, in the 21st minute of the first half, an additional goal was scored. Pressing on the left side, player Taba dribbled into the center while providing a cross. Diego TABA, who lost his marker, headed the ball into the goal.
Tokyo, which efficiently piled up goals, does not ease its attacking efforts. In the big chance at the 32nd minute of the first half, Nakagawa failed to score, and in the scene where Morishige connected with a free kick at the 39th minute of the first half, although the net shook, it was disallowed for offside.
Although they were unable to secure a decisive third goal in the first half, they turned the match around with a wonderful performance.
2nd HALF - Although we were on the defensive, we limited the goals conceded to 1, achieving our second consecutive win of the season.
Before the start of the second half, Teppei OKA, making his J1 debut, was brought in to replace Kanta DOI, who had injured his foot towards the end of the first half. Despite the rookie being called up unexpectedly, Tokyo continued to take control and advance the match in the second half.
That said, there weren't many chances to score the decisive third goal, and in the 16th minute of the second half, Kei KOIZUMI and Teruhito NAKAGAWA were substituted for Riki HARAKAWA and Jája Silva. The fresh players aimed to close out the game.
In the 30th minute of the second half, Diego TABA's skillful ball control and turn turned the situation around for a counterattack, but the cross from substitute Leon NOZAWA was cleared by the defender, and Takahiro KO's attempted long shot from the second attack was also blocked by the defender.
In such a development, the next goal is born in Kyoto. In the 34th minute of the second half, from a corner kick on the right, Sora HIRAGA headed in a precise kick from Daiki HIRATO at the near side, closing the gap to one goal.
Immediately after that, a big chance came for Tokyo. Nozawa broke free into the space behind the opponent, but his shot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper, who closed the distance at just the right moment. In stoppage time, a handball by Morishige in the penalty area was called, resulting in a penalty kick. The stadium fell silent for a moment due to the significant crisis created just before the end of the match, but the decision was overturned with the support of VAR. In the end, they avoided the biggest crisis at the last moment and achieved their second consecutive win of the season.
After a perfect first half, the team experienced a hectic end to the second half, but ultimately managed to defend well by closing down space in their own half, winning 2-1. They secured their first victory at Ajinomoto Stadium and achieved their second consecutive win.
This marks the fifth win of the season, bringing the points total to 18. We can clearly see the backs of the top teams now.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Kosuke SHIRAI/Masato MORISHIGE/Kanta DOI (substituted at 0 minutes into the second half: Teppei OKA)/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Hiroshi TAKAU/Yoshikazu KOIZUMI (substituted at 16 minutes into the second half: Chikara HARAKAWA)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted at 16 minutes into the second half: Jaja SILVA)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA (substituted at 35 minutes into the second half: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (substituted at 27 minutes into the second half: Leon NOZAWA)/Soma ANZAI
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Shuhei TOKUMOTO
GOAL
4th minute of the first half: Kashif BANGNAGANDE / 21st minute of the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA
<Kyoto Sanga F.C.>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kwon Sun-yong
DF Shinnosuke FUKUDA (substituted in 31st minute: Yuta MIYAMOTO)/Shogo ASADA/Keita MATSUDA (substituted in 0th minute: Toichi SUZUKI)/Hisashi APPIAH TAWIAH
MF Shohei TAKEDA (substituted in 0th minute: Taiki HIRATO)/Temma MATSUDA (substituted in 14th minute: Sora HIRAGA)/Daiki KANEKO/Hibiki SATO
FW Daichi HARA/Yuta TOYOKAWA (substituted in 14th minute: Kazunari ICHIMI)
SUBS
GK Gakuji OTA
DF Yoshinori SUZUKI
GOAL
34 minutes into the second half: Sora HIRAGA
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q, please review the game.
A, I believe there were various aspects in today's match. Especially in the first half, we displayed strong football, executed exciting plays, and created situations where it wouldn't have been surprising to score a few goals against the opponent. Conversely, in the second half, we strayed from our style of play and faced some difficulties. I think we made it harder for ourselves. Despite that, the players showed a wonderful mentality and fought desperately. I believe they fought until the end to secure three points for the club and for the fans and supporters. I am very pleased with what they did to earn those three points.
The players delivered a performance worthy of victory. I am glad that the fans and supporters are happy. Today's victory is because they strongly supported the team. Today, there were many positive aspects in our football that will help us grow. I believe there are areas where we can improve and do better to become a stronger team, so I want to learn from those lessons. Today, we celebrate the victory, and the players will immediately focus on recovery and prepare well for the match on Monday.
Q: With various reasons for player absences, Masato MORISHIGE and Diego OLIVEIRA participated as starting members.
I think their performance was wonderful. I believe they contributed greatly to the performance needed to secure 3 points, and they fought with strong leadership and character. Although several players are currently absent, all the members who are able to practice are approaching daily training with a mentality of wanting to grow. The results were clearly shown by Morishige and Diego TABA, but I think this applies to all players.
Player Morishige has continued to prepare to contribute to the team with a hungry attitude. He demonstrated that in today's performance. There were times when there were issues with his condition and Diego TABA could not practice, but it is wonderful that he has returned. I believe their performance today is the result of their daily efforts.
To fight through the season, we need all players. This is exactly the situation where everyone's strength is required. I believe we have grown both in football and mentality, and this is an important point. I think we fought as a really strong team today, but there is still a lot of potential. We must continue to work hard and grow as a team to become the team we dream of. We want to move forward humbly. We will continue to work hard and improve what we are doing as we progress.
[Player Interview]
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q, please review the opening goal.
A, this season, the team has been working on having the opposite full-back move in response to crosses from the opposite side, and there have been several close scenes so far. I'm glad we were able to score our first goal of the season in the way we have been trying to as a team, and it was great to see our daily efforts pay off.
Q: It felt like the positioning of the full-backs was organized as a team.
When breaking down the opponent, we practice various patterns, not only focusing on my side but also considering crosses coming from the opposite side. We have organized and understood what needs to be done, including positioning for the full-backs, wingers, and other positions, which allows me to feel confident in making bold plays.
Q. On the other hand, I believe that risk management in defense is also required. How are you addressing this?
A, being aggressive and pushing forward, requires a greater focus on defensive risk management. There were some dangerous moments where we were caught out from behind, and as a team and as individuals, we want to focus on and improve that aspect.
Q: Around the 15-minute mark of the second half, we spent a long time on defense and conceded a goal in the final moments. What challenges do you see?
A, we started the second half well, but we couldn't score an additional goal at a good time, and gradually fell into the opponent's pace, getting pushed back little by little. As a team, I think we have issues with how to approach the end of the match, so I want to make immediate corrections for the upcoming consecutive matches.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: Please reflect on the match.
It was a very tough match. The opponent applied pressure with their power, and I believe that our perseverance as a team until the end led to our victory. The support from our fans and supporters was a great help to us players. I was able to participate in the early matches of the season, but my condition did not improve well, and I was able to return to the match from the previous game against Albirex Niigata. During that time, I want to express my gratitude to my teammates, the team staff who supported me to be able to play, and all the fans and supporters.
Q: Please reflect on the goal scene that led to the first victory at Ajinomoto Stadium this season.
A, today's match started well from the first half. We created many chances, and thanks to Kashif BANGNAGANDE scoring an early goal, we were able to create a good flow. At the moment when we increased our play in the opponent's area, a wonderful cross from Kota TAWARATSUMIDA with his right foot came in. It was a header that just needed to be directed well, and I want to thank Kota for his assist. I hope that today we can all celebrate our first victory of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium together with the players, fans, and supporters.
Q: We have entered an 8-game stretch in May, including today's match. How will you approach it?
We need to get through the schedule with matches continuing in a short period of time together. There is a tight schedule with only two days until the next match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. Matches against Sapporo in away games are always difficult and challenging, so we want to prepare thoroughly for the match to ensure that we can seize victory together, just like in today's game. The players have the quality to perform regardless of who is on the field. To be able to play our style of football, we want to rest well today and continue to improve from tomorrow.
<Teppei OKA>
Q, I made my professional debut in the Levain Cup, but suddenly I got my chance in the J1 League match, and it was at home at Ajinomoto Stadium.
I think it was good to end with a win at home after being prepared to play at any time, but we conceded a goal after I was brought on at 2-0. I feel there are many points that need to be corrected, such as creating an atmosphere of not allowing any goals, not being aware of my surroundings in individual play, and relying too much on others for defensive positioning.
Q, you didn't seem to be in such a hurry.
I was conscious of creating an atmosphere and behavior that would make it seem like I wasn't flustered and that I was doing things confidently.
Q: How was it to play in front of the roaring crowd at home Ajinomoto Stadium, different from your debut match at NHK Spring MitsuzawaFootballStadium away?
Since my academy days, I have wanted to play here, and now that one of my goals has been achieved by playing a match at Ajinomoto Stadium and definitely winning, I believe this is just the beginning. Standing on this pitch, I realized that I must continue to level up more and more.
Q: Please tell us about the gains and challenges from today's match.
I think it was a positive outcome that I was able to get into the flow of the game even as a substitute, and that we won. As for the challenges, I believe we still need to work on positioning, especially for the center-backs, to avoid being drawn out wide, and also in terms of adjusting the defensive line. In the build-up phase, I tended to focus too much on nearby options and was unable to utilize my strength, which is delivering long feeds.
Q: Is there anything you would like to change in your play for the next match?
I want to try to make feeds with both feet that can create chances with a single play by looking at the players far up front, as that is my characteristic. On defense, I want to create an atmosphere where we don't allow the opponent to attack and stay alert to nip their attacks in the bud, turning them into the starting point for our own offense.
Q: Please give a message to the fans and supporters.
First of all, I want to say "I'm back." I want to continue building up day by day from here to show the growth I've achieved upon my return.
