Match Review
Tokyo traveled to the northern land aiming for their third consecutive victory in two seasons. They made two changes to the starting lineup from the previous match, placing Yuto NAGATOMO at right back and Henrique TREVISAN at center back. In order to clear the frustration of losing 5-0 in the same match at the same venue on the same day last season, they faced Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo.
1st HALF—Unexpected goal conceded, but equalized with a Tawara shot
From the early stages, Tokyo looked for opportunities, and in the 3rd minute of the first half, they launched a long counterattack after drawing in the opponent. Teruhito NAKAGAWA initiated a high-speed dribble from his own half, quickly bringing the ball near the opponent's penalty area, and provided a final pass to the right side. However, Soma ANZAI's shot was unfortunately blocked by the goalkeeper.
Tokyo created a big chance with a sharp attack, but Sapporo's player Arano made a significant switch to the left side just 5 minutes into the first half. Player Baba, who broke through on the opposite side, returned the ball directly, and it unexpectedly found its way to the near side of the goal, resulting in an opening goal conceded from an unforeseen development.
After that, while being pressed by Sapporo, who continued to apply aggressive pressure, we aimed for a fast-paced attack. This strategy bore fruit in the 27th minute of the first half.
From the right side of their own half, Diego OLIVEIRA connected with a one-touch through pass. Quickly reacting, Takahiro KO broke down the right side and delivered a cross, which Kota TAWARATSUMIDA volleyed in with his left foot from inside the box. In a familiar move, he brilliantly scored against the cross from the opposite side, bringing the match back to square one.
For player Tawaramizuki, who had said, "I want visible results," this was the long-awaited first goal of the season.
In the 31st minute of the first half, there was a big chance from a left corner kick by Kashif BANGNAGANDE. Nakagawa attempted to score from close range consecutively with the loose ball, but each time was thwarted by the opposing goalkeeper's fine saves, and they could not take the lead.
After that, Tokyo progressed the match while creating blocks and maintaining balance. They took control while allowing Sapporo to have the ball, attempting to break the situation with counterattacks. The match ended up going into halftime at 1-1.
2nd HALF—Press rush at the right moment & Diego's goal in three consecutive matches
Even in the second half, they maintained a low center of gravity, looking for quick counterattack opportunities while drawing in the opponent. In the 15th minute of the second half, player Yoshifumi's early cross was met by player Anzai on the right side, executing their signature move, but unfortunately, it did not reach him.
After about 15 minutes into the second half, they gradually became aggressive with their pressing, pushing the opponent back, and as a result, the game began to flow in line with this momentum.
In the 20th minute of the second half, Diego applied hard pressure on a goal kick as Sapporo attempted to build up play, forcing an error from the opponent that allowed Anzai to intercept on the right side. Receiving the ball, Diego made a central run, and Nakagawa, while holding off defenders, passed the ball forward for a turnaround goal. In a matter of moments, they changed the flow of the game and launched a swift attack on the Sapporo goal, successfully turning the match around.
A complete comeback. This marks Diego TABA's third consecutive goal in league matches since his return.
By taking the lead, we will thoroughly focus on managing risks while aiming for counterattacks. Tightening the center, we will advance time with concentrated defense.
In the 36th minute of the second half, the left side pocket was exploited, but player Nagatomo blocked the shot with a sliding tackle. In the 41st minute of the second half, substitute Leon NOZAWA returned deep into his own territory and showed tenacious defense to thwart the cross.
Despite conceding an unexpected opening goal, they displayed a calm approach to the match, executing effective counters at key moments and showcasing their skill in high pressing.
While conceding ball possession to the opponent, they closed the center firmly during the second half's additional time and maintained their lead with focused defense to finish the match. They secured 3 points in Sapporo, which has been considered a 'difficult place' since they have not won there since the 2012 season, achieving their third consecutive league victory since March 2022.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique Trevisan/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (substituted in 26th minute: Kosuke SHIRAI)
MF Takuto UHIRO/Kei KOIZUMI/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted in 26th minute: Riki HARAKAWA)
FW Diego Oliveira (substituted in 38th minute: Jaja Silva)/Kota TAWARAZUMI (substituted in 38th minute: Leon NOZAWA)/Soma ANZAI (substituted in 45+4 minutes: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
27th minute of the first half: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA/20th minute of the second half: Diego OLIVEIRA
<Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Takanori SUGENO
DF Seiya BABA (substituted at 42 minutes: Yuki KOBAYASHI)/Rei IEIZUMI/Daiki SUGA (substituted at 42 minutes: Tatsuya HASEGAWA)
MF Tomoki KONDO (substituted at 26 minutes: Gonhi KIM)/Takuma ARANO (substituted at 26 minutes: Ru TAKAO)/Yoshiaki KOMAI/Ryota AOKI/Yuya ASANO/Supachok (substituted at 26 minutes: Kiriya NAKAMURA)
FW Musashi SUZUKI
SUBS
GK Jun KODAMA
DF Daihachi OKAMURA
GOAL 5th minute of the first half: Seiya BABA
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q, please review the game.
A, as expected, it was a tough away match. We had to show our characteristics and mentality to fight through it. I believe the players definitely delivered on that. What we learn from each match is the awareness to win the game. Today was a match where we had to fight with that mindset. I am proud of the players for their hard work, commitment, and the desire to seize victory. In terms of football, there are still many areas where we can improve. We must analyze our performance while reflecting on it and continue to grow.
There are still areas that need improvement in the game, but we found ourselves in a tough situation at the beginning of the away game, trailing 0-1. From there, we turned the score around and won. I am proud of the players who achieved victory against a wonderful opponent, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, a team led by the best coach in Japan, Mr. Miša (Zoran PETROVIC).
The players gave everything they had in terms of energy. They were exhausted after the match. I am glad that we were able to bring 3 points to the fans and supporters who cheered us on with all their might. I would like to express my gratitude for their support.
Q: Please tell us your evaluation of Diego OLIVEIRA, who scored in three consecutive matches.
A, he is truly a special player for us and has delivered a great performance. He made an impact and contributed with his performance. I always say this, but I believe it is because everyone is committed to our daily efforts that we are able to achieve this, and I am proud that he has returned and started scoring.
Q: I believe we are able to execute reproducible attacks.
A, reproducibility is one of the things we are working on, and I believe it is proof that our attack is becoming dangerous. The first goal was also in a very good shape, and we were able to show what we have been working on. The players who worked hard were rewarded. There are many things we need to learn in the game, and we must grow within our football. Additionally, we need to approach this with the right mentality and character throughout the process. I am glad that the players brought the necessary qualities today. A few days ago, there was talk that we did not have a three-game winning streak last season, but we believe we are a special club. The players played with their character and mentality, proving that we are a special club, and I am proud that we achieved a three-game winning streak. I think the players will be able to take a good rest before the next match, and I hope they recover. We will forget about this three-game winning streak for now and focus on the next match.
[Player Interview]
＜Kota TAWARATSUMIDA Player＞
Q, you scored your first goal of the season. Please review that moment.
A, Takahiro KO broke free, and it turned into a race between me and the opponent's right back. I felt that my speed was faster, and since Takahiro provided a really good ball, I just had to match it. I thought a fast ground ball was coming, but since a lofted ball came, I went to adjust to it.
Q: Wasn't it very difficult to defend against the opponent's three-back formation and the right winger?
A, to be honest, it was really tough and required a lot of ups and downs, but I was able to talk with everyone around me and take care of each other. It was good that we didn't concede any goals from that point.
Q: I feel that the intensity of the defense has increased.
A, I still have a long way to go. I want to learn various things from my seniors and grow even more.
Q: In the midst of back-to-back matches with two days in between, you were able to assist in the last match and score a goal in this match.
A, today, we didn't have an incredibly good performance, and it wasn't a super goal that showcased individual skills. However, in the context of being tired from consecutive matches, the fact that the entire team was able to create such a situation and score is a positive factor for both myself and the team.
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q: Today's victory resulted in three consecutive wins in the league.
A, matches at Sapporo Dome are difficult for us every season. It was a victory that required mental toughness. While I am certainly happy to have scored in three consecutive matches, what makes me happiest is that we were able to turn the game around after allowing the opponent to score early in the first half. I believe that being able to convert our limited chances into goals and having the ability to finish is a sign that the team, including myself, is in good form.
Q, please review the comeback scene.
A, Soma ANZAI did not miss the opponent's restart mistake and recovered the ball in a high position. After receiving a pass from ANZAI, he quickly turned forward and passed it to Teruhito NAKAGAWA in the central position. He also attracted multiple opponent defenders before making the pass, so it was just a matter of slotting it in with his left foot. As I mentioned earlier, I am more pleased with the fact that we achieved a comeback victory in a difficult away game than with my own goal.
Q: I believe the hard work of the entire team led to victory.
A, today's match was a game where we were particularly marked tightly by the opponent for a very long time. I believe we were able to excel in our physicality as a team. Today, we celebrated our victory together, and I think the next match will also be a difficult one, but we want to continue our winning streak as one. No matter the situation, I want to express our gratitude through our play for the fans and supporters who have been cheering for us.
<Masato MORISHIGE Player>
Q: Please reflect on the match.
A, I think it was a difficult match compared to the previous ones.
Q: You conceded a goal unexpectedly early, but you managed to hold firm and close it out without collapsing. How do you feel about the defense's performance?
We conceded a goal at the beginning of the first half due to an accident-like situation. However, we made solid adjustments afterward and were able to defend well, preventing the opponent from getting close to our goal. I believe that successfully making those adjustments was a key point. Conversely, when we had the ball, we were able to create chances to shoot, so I felt we had opportunities in our attack.
Q: The opponent often used attacks that frequently changed sides.
A, the side backs have gradually gotten used to it, and the response of the defensive midfielders and the defensive line after being switched has also improved over time, so I think it was good that we were able to make adjustments during the match without panicking.
Q: This was our first victory in Sapporo since the 2012 season. This season, we have been able to break the jinx of away games where we had not won before, such as in Fukuoka. Do you feel any differences while standing on the pitch compared to last season?
A, I don't remember the 2012 season (laughs). The biggest difference is definitely the atmosphere of the team; everyone is working hard in daily practice to win, and that atmosphere shows in the matches. Even in tough times, the current team has the strength to bounce back. I believe that a team that can maintain this throughout the entire season will rise to the top, so I think the next match will be important.
