Match Preview
The minimum requirement for Aoiaka to advance to the prime round is simply a victory within 90 minutes.
In the first leg of the J.League YBC Levain Cup playoff round held last Wednesday, Tokyo faced Sanfrecce Hiroshima at Ajinomoto.
Despite starting aggressively, they allowed the opening goal in the 10th minute, and during the kickoff aimed at a counterattack, they lost the ball to the opponent's press and conceded another goal. A painful consecutive goal conceded in just 2 minutes. In the 25th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA scored a goal to pull one back, but they ended up losing the match 1-2.
However, since the playoff round is decided by the total results of two matches, the game has only finished the "first half." The outcome will be determined in the "second half" to be played away.
Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI also commented in the press conference after the first match, "I told the players, 'It's only halftime. Right now, it's halftime.' Next, we will seize victory away. We created good chances multiple times, and I believe they can do it."
I would like to reconfirm the tournament regulations. In the playoff round, which is held in a home-and-away format, away goals are not given any advantage, and the team with the most victories or the team that advances based on the goal difference over the two matches will be determined. In other words, for Tokyo, which lost the first match 1-2, it is necessary to finish the 90 minutes with at least a one-goal lead. If they win by a margin of two goals or more, they will advance directly; if they win by a one-goal margin, the outcome will be decided through extra time of 15 minutes each for both halves, followed by a penalty shootout.
Since the total score over the two matches is important, the equalizer scored by Diego TABA holds significant meaning for the "second half." If a victory by a margin of two goals or more is required within 90 minutes, the match will become very difficult to manage. Soma ANZAI stated, "Diego got us back on track, and it led to the next opportunity. As long as we win overall, there’s no problem, and there's no point in looking down. We haven't lost yet. Even a one-goal victory will lead to extra time, and as long as we win overall, that’s what matters."
Looking back, the Semifinal Round of the Levain Cup in the 2021 season against Nagoya Grampus. In the first match, we scored one goal back in the additional time of the second half from 0-2, but immediately conceded another goal, making it 3-1. Although we won the second match by one goal, we could not advance. Go HATANO, who was actually on the pitch during that match, reflected on those memories, saying, "After it became 1-2, I thought the next goal would be crucial. In that sense, it was good that we were able to defend. However, since we conceded two goals, I want to prepare properly once again" as he tightens his focus for the next match.
Hiroshima is expected to utilize their strong hard press and solid block interchangeably. How they navigate through that and convert their scoring opportunities will likely determine the outcome of the match.
In the first match, while we created big chances, there were moments when we couldn't shake the net. Teruhito NAKAGAWA said, "If we can't finish our chances, we have no choice but to go for the win. It's about how much we can show our determination to score away from home. I believe we can create even more chances, but the issue is the quality of our finishing. Personally, I want to approach the goal with more intensity." He is fired up for advancing.
And in the first match, Shuhei TOKUMOTO had the opportunity to play again and shone on the pitch. That sentiment is likely the consensus of everyone.
"I have been waiting for my chance, and I believed in the opportunity to play in the Levain Cup. I think I was able to show my strengths. No one is feeling down; everyone is more determined to do their best. We addressed the issues from the second goal in the locker room. Teru-kun (Nakagawa player) firmly said, 'What are we going to do!' in a serious atmosphere, and we have already made the necessary corrections regarding that. If we can win in Hiroshima and advance, we can erase the loss from the first match. I want everyone to tighten up again so that we won't be told, 'There are no national team players.'"
Currently, Tokyo has produced 6 players for the Japan national team (Kashif BANGNAGANDE returned to his country on the 8th due to injury), and one of the features of this season is that they can express soccer without a drop in quality, regardless of who plays. To prove the team's accumulation so far, the lessons from the past, and the overall quality, they must absolutely advance in the playoff round.
The second match away in Hiroshima, facing a one-point deficit. A thrilling conclusion is expected until the end. We hope to approach the cup with an active and bold Tokyo style, without getting impatient or letting our guard down.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: How will you approach the second match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima?
A, I recognize that we are currently at halftime. I believe it will be an exciting match where the total results of the two games will be questioned. I want to continue the positive aspects we expressed in the first match. In that match, we allowed the opponent to score two goals in a short time, giving them an opening. Of course, there is regret, but we also showed performance that created scenes where we could recover one goal, equalize, and take the lead. We will firmly incorporate the good aspects that emerged during the match and prepare well for another battle. We will aim to win the second match.
Q: In the situation of being behind 1-2, it can also be interpreted that the clarity of scoring and going for the win has been established.
A, we are only going for the win. That remains true regardless of the outcome of the first match. Our mindset, approach to the game, and mentality will not change at all. We believe that there is nothing different about being well-prepared and giving everything we have. To achieve results, we must fully utilize our abilities. We are focused on that. If we can express our way of fighting clearly, it will be a threat to Hiroshima.
Q: Riki HARAKAWA, who came on in the second half, was expressing plays that added an accent to the attack.
A did a very good job. Of course, I understand that he himself is eager to increase his playing time, but he expressed the team mentality through his play. He demonstrated a good example of the attitude of "whoever is on the pitch will do their job" on the field.
Q, after practice, it was observed that there was a discussion with Leon NOZAWA.
We reflected on the second half of the match, discussing how we felt at that moment and how we can improve and grow from here. We have been making improvements and adjustments through practice, and I believe we just need to continue doing so. Nozawa is a player who has the ability to sense opportunities and make runs forward. Turning those opportunities into goals is a key point for a forward player. In that scene, I think the entire stadium's attention was focused on Nozawa, and many spectators must have stood up. When faced with such an exhilarating moment, it’s important to remain calm and control your mental state. We also need to practice deepening our image of scoring goals to encourage growth. And when the shot we take shakes the net, I hope to see all the emotions we've built up until now released to the fullest. I believe we can move forward step by step and become even better players.
[Player Interview]
＜Takahiro KO＞
Q: The first match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima ended in a disappointing defeat.
A, looking back at the entire match, I don't think it was all bad scenes, but the way we started the match, the transitions during restarts, and the multiple goals conceded are areas that need improvement and correction. We have shared this awareness with the entire team, and in the match on the 9th, we want to approach it with thoroughness once again.
Q: Please tell us the important things among those.
A, we must go for the win, and we absolutely cannot concede any more goals. As a midfielder, I want to maintain the balance between offense and defense to score multiple goals and encourage more dynamic play.
Q: Tactical maneuvers are also expected.
In the first match, we had more time on the ball compared to previous games, but I felt there were fewer passes aimed at getting behind the opponent throughout the game. I think the key will be how we can break down their high line. I believe the opponent still has the feeling of having faced us, so we will need to be adaptable on the pitch.
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q: Please tell us about the characteristics and impressions you felt when facing Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the first match.
A team with high overall quality, very well balanced in both offense and defense. I felt the strength and solidity of the defense, as they have conceded few goals in the league. In terms of offense, we need to be cautious of their counterattacks that utilize high-caliber players in the front line in the second match as well. In the next game, if we give the opponent an early goal, it will become very difficult to progress in the match. As a defender, I want to focus on defensive stability and maintaining a clean sheet.
The first match at home was a disappointing game, resulting in a tough outcome. The match on the 9th will be a difficult away game, but there is a great chance to advance to the next stage. We want to fight seeking only victory.
Q: As we approach the second match, please tell us the key points regarding defense.
In the first match, we easily conceded goals in a short amount of time. It is essential to make corrections, including transitions and restarts after kick-off. We want to reinforce the principles of team defense and communication among the defenders, and support from the back line so that we can score before the opponent as a team.
Q: To advance to the prime round, a victory with multiple goals is required in the second match.
We are in a situation where we can only win, so I want to communicate to maintain a compact formation from the back line to the front line to play aggressively for 90 minutes. I also want to aim for goals from set pieces, and while committing more players to the attack, I want to ensure that we do not easily lose in defensive confrontations and contribute with tenacious defense that does not give the opponent any freedom.
<Teppei OKA>
Q: To advance to the prime round, victory is an absolute requirement. What kind of preparations are you making?
As coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI said, I believe we have only finished the first half. We will head into the away match for the second half, and I think it is necessary to win while keeping a clean sheet when we play. If we do not progress through the match without conceding, I believe the evaluation of our defense, and more broadly, the evaluation of the entire team will not improve, so I want to keep that in mind.
Q: You have not lost in the matches you participated in. Are you feeling good about it?
A, I am always able to maintain a positive state within myself, so I intend to play for the team's victory in any situation. I haven't been able to start in the league matches, so I want to make a strong appeal and connect it to the league matches. However, I believe that winning the upcoming match is the most important thing.
Q: I think it is necessary to bring out Teppei OKA's characteristics to lead the team to victory.
A, I believe that Sanfrecce Hiroshima plays with a three-back system, and if they can pass behind that, it will create opportunities. We didn't see much of that in the last match, so I want to make effective use of that space. First, I plan to focus on the farthest point to aim for the goal.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the second match.
A victory without conceding goals is the foundation expected of a defensive player. Furthermore, I want to connect my characteristics, such as long passes, to scoring. I want to prepare well, perform at my best, and contribute to the team's victory.
