<Review of the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol>
In order to change the difficult flow at the Japan National Stadium, the blue and red players boldly attacked the opponent's goal from the start. Just after the kickoff, player Keiun SATO, who was positioned as the lone striker, initiated an attack, and in the 16th minute of the first half, center-back Teppei OKA made a powerful advance and took a fierce left-footed shot from the middle. In the 20th minute, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA aimed for a loose ball and took a shot. Even in defense, they actively pressed from the front line to induce mistakes from the opponent, demonstrating a coordinated defense as a team.
Since the renovation, the National Stadium has been unbeaten in home games. In the 35th minute of the first half, player Takuya TAWARAZUMI cut in from the left and provided a shot-like ball, which deflected off an opponent and was pushed in by Teruhito NAKAGAWA at the far side, scoring the opening goal for the first time in seven league matches. In the 41st minute of the first half, Soma ANZAI's direct free kick hit the crossbar, creating another close chance, and the team went into halftime with a one-goal lead.
In the second half, where Kashiwa Reysol increased scenes of connecting passes and attacking, the time spent being pressed gradually lengthened. Even so, it seemed they might somehow endure and achieve victory since Sec. 3, but in the dying moments of the second half, with about one minute remaining, they were painfully scored on after being targeted multiple times on the flanks of the three-back defense, and they heard the final whistle with a score of 1-1.
After missing out on victory at the very end, coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI said, "It's very frustrating. Our own shortcomings, including mine, were exposed. I want to align our focus once again and prepare for the next challenge," he stated in a stern yet passionate tone.
This Round's Preview
Will the intense battle that unfolded midweek change the tide?
The team in blue and red is in a difficult situation, having gone seven league matches without a win. In the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol, they allowed a heartbreaking equalizer just before what seemed like a certain victory, once again failing to secure a win. Just three days after this frustrating match, they faced RB Omiya Ardija in the 2025 J League YBC Levain Cup 1st Round 2nd Round away match. The team fought with a strong desire for victory, and after a fierce battle lasting 120 minutes, including extra time, they successfully advanced to the 3rd Round.
The key player in the victory was Marcelo RYAN, who had been frustrated with no goals in official matches until now. Last season, the number 19 player marked 14 goals in the league for Sagan Tosu, and he achieved a hat-trick as if to release the pent-up frustration since the start of the season. Although he had been overly focused on his role as a point of attack and coordination with teammates, which prevented him from showing his usual threat, he scored three goals in a flash with outstanding speed and overwhelming finishing ability. He performed a salute pose for the first time in Tokyo and shared the joy with his blue-red teammates who gathered behind the away goal.
The passing play that led to the first goal was brilliant as a team. Kei KOIZUMI received a clever lob pass from Keigo HIGASHI, controlled it with his chest in the near zone, and Yuto NAGATOMO, who was making a run to target the third movement, returned the ball for the assist. Yuto NAGATOMO, who led to the opening goal with a wonderful inner lap, stated emphatically, "It was a goal involving the two defensive midfielders. We were able to show great synergy as a team. The result is certainly significant, and the fact that we fought together and won gives us confidence."
Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also said, "After the game where we let the 3 points slip away right in front of us in the previous league match, we bounced back strongly from a difficult situation. This is nothing but their strong mentality," highly praising the players' rebound mentality.
However, win and tighten the knot of the kabuto. The players showed expressions of joy with their long-awaited victory, but there was no sign of them getting carried away after the match. And that is understandable. They took the lead but allowed an equalizer in the 37th minute of the second half, and the victory was achieved after extra time. If it were a 90-minute game, it would have been a similar development to the frustrating match against Kashiwa.
Soma ANZAI, who ran until the very end, said, "If it had been a 90-minute game, we would have ended up dropping points just like in the match against Kashiwa. We need to tighten up again and have a solid common understanding of our defense." Takahiro KO also calmly analyzed, "We should have finished it properly in 90 minutes."
However, the fact that they were able to showcase a style of football that combines the individual strengths of players, which had been hard to see during the period of not winning, is a significant positive aspect. Each player demonstrated strength in battles for the ball, as if they remembered what was necessary to draw victory as a team. And RIAN, who had not been able to score, seemed to have regained his natural scoring instinct, shaking the net as if he had been released from the chains of no goals. If that is the case, then the entire team as well──.
In the locker room after the match, the players discussed together, saying, "Let's focus on the next match," quickly shifting their mindset to the upcoming match against Cerezo Osaka. Takahashi also mentioned, "The next match is really important. I want to make sure we can secure a victory," as he looked forward to achieving a win in the league match since Sec. 3.
Recovery from the fatigue of the intense battle that lasted 120 minutes on Wednesday will be a key point. The ability to showcase football without any drop in quality, regardless of who plays, is a significant strength of this season's 'Powerful Tokyo.' In this match against Cerezo Osaka away, we want to change the current flow by focusing on the details, bringing out each other's strengths, and surpassing in both tactics and individual battles to secure a victory. United as one in blue and red. With thoughts of victory in each of our places.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: The match against Omiya Ardija was fought for 120 minutes, and it will be a match against Cerezo Osaka in three days.
A, it was a three-day period to alleviate fatigue, as there was some fatigue present.
Q: In the match against Omiya, after the score was tied, we regained control of the game. I believe we were able to make adjustments during the match.
A, there are difficult moments in any match. Therefore, I believe it is important to carry out “game reading” (reading the flow of the match) without being shaken. I think it is significant that we were able to embody what is necessary during the match, while reading the flow and bringing out the players' strengths. There will always be challenges, so I believe that by aligning our focus on those, we can prepare for the next match while addressing them.
Q: How do you evaluate Soma ANZAI, who ran for 120 minutes?
A, I still think he can run even more (laughs). He was playing in two or three different positions during the match. In that context, even in the final moments of the game, he was taking shots when he moved up front. I believe the stamina to reach that position in the last moments is truly immeasurable. If he can score there, I think he can go even higher. However, I believe we shouldn't just be satisfied with that. He is a player who can aim for even greater heights.
Q: In the match against Omiya, a goal was scored from Marcelo RYAN's run behind the defense. In C Osaka, what balance do you aim for between connecting passes and passes behind the defense to score?
A, it is important to exploit the space created by moving the ball, as it changes the opponent's formation. Therefore, it is essential to move the ball effectively. It is important to remain calm whether you have the ball or not. When you don't have the ball, it requires patience, patience, patience. In defense, you must avoid creating space or gaps. When you have the ball, rushing to make a pass can inadvertently create an opportunity for a counterattack. By simply moving the ball, when the opponent creates an opening, quickly shifting gears and taking advantage of that space has led to scoring in the match against RB Omiya.
Q: C Osaka has momentum with their forwards. How will you approach the match?
A, I want to make sure we don't get overwhelmed by the momentum. We also have thoughts on how to utilize our victory against RB Omiya in this match. We want to play a good game and secure 3 points. I believe there will be difficult moments, but I have confidence that we can manage them well.
[Player Interview]
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q: The victory against Omiya Ardija has become a good opportunity that will lead to victories in future league matches, hasn't it?
A, I believe that winning as a team in a high-stakes tournament is a positive outcome. Additionally, Marcelo RYAN scored a goal, and the result was a hat trick, which led to a significant victory. As a team, we naturally have a strong desire to change this situation and to secure wins. I want to maintain our attention to detail and enthusiasm in the next match as well.
Q: In the match against Omiya, Yuto NAGATOMO's performance and hard work were evident. Does the performance of players competing for the same position motivate you?
A, it feels like the competition has become intense again, and I think that Nagatomo, who made a starting appearance after a long time and quickly delivered results, is truly impressive. Personally, I haven't been able to show plays that directly lead to goals since the opening match. I can't afford to lose in the positional battle, and I hope to channel the good pressure I put on myself into a positive tension in my play.
Q: As we approach the match against Cerezo Osaka this round, please share any insights you have discussed with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI and your teammates.
A, with only three days between the match against RB Omiya and the match against C Osaka, there was little time to adjust in detail. However, the players have been able to take the initiative to create opportunities for discussion about how to manage the game and how to proceed on the pitch, facilitating communication. Just like in the match against RB Omiya, the players on the pitch have been able to coordinate well and reflect that in their play. I believe that communication both on and off the pitch will lead the team in a positive direction.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Cerezo Osaka.
A, there are players with high attacking power in wide positions, and I want to properly care for side attacks that utilize vertical momentum. There are also many goals from set plays, so I believe concentrated defense is required. Personally, I am looking forward to competing against players like Shindo, Tanaka, and Lucas FERNANDES, with whom I played during my time at Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, and I think they are key players to watch on both offense and defense.
<Marcelo RYAN>
Q, first of all, congratulations on your first goal and hat-trick after joining the match against RB Omiya Ardija.
A, I am very happy, and honestly, I feel a bit more at ease. I was determined to score as soon as possible for the team's victory, and I have been working hard in daily training to achieve that goal. I believe I will continue to improve from here.
Q, it seemed that more than Marcelo RYAN, my teammates and the fans and supporters were happy as if it were their own joy.
A, I believe my goal led to victory, and we were able to share the joy together in the match against Omiya Ardija. Your support and cheers, along with the encouragement from my teammates, truly give me strength. Next is the league match against Cerezo Osaka. We will unite our efforts again to fight for a long-awaited victory in the league.
Q: The second and third goals against Omiya were in a style that suits Hian's strengths.
A, during my time at Yokohama FC and Sagan Tosu, I have consistently scored by making runs behind the defense through clever plays, which is one of my strengths. I have been able to communicate with the midfielders about how I want the ball to be supplied during practice. The second goal came from Takahiro KO's through pass, and I was able to break free well from Kento HASHIMOTO's pass for the third goal. I feel that good combinations are increasing with each match. Please look forward to my goals in the league matches.
