Match Review
Friday Night J.League held at Japan National Stadium. The 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 12 match against Gamba Osaka featured a live performance by Little Glee Monster before the game, with special effects including fireworks and drones using LED screens, leading up to the players' entrance and kickoff.
Tokyo aims for their first league victory since Sec. 3. There were changes in the lineup for the match, with four players replaced from the previous game. The central midfield duo consists of Keigo HIGASHI, who switches the attack with floating passes, and Kei KOIZUMI, for whom this match marks his 300th appearance in J1.
The wing backs are positioned with Keita ENDO, who can boldly move up and down, on the left, and Yuto NAGATOMO on the right. Maki KITAHARA has been named in the starting eleven for three consecutive official matches as the left inside half. Also, Marcelo RYAN, who is awaited to score his first league goal, is deployed as the lone striker. On the bench, Tsubasa TERAYAMA has been included in the squad for the first time this season, and decisive contributions are expected from him as a substitute.
The kickoff took place at 19:33 in the slightly chilly Japan National Stadium.
1st HALF—Dominating the game but failing to score
From a back-and-forth start, Tokyo quickly went on the offensive. First, in the 7th minute of the first half, after an aggressive press by player Higashi, they forced a turnover high up the pitch. Then, Lucas RIAN carried the ball forward and took a shot. Creating a clear chance early on, in the 10th minute Endo unleashed a powerful long-range shot. Although they temporarily lost possession, Koizumi energized the stadium with a daring sliding tackle to intercept an opponent's pass.
Then, in the 13th minute of the first half, Koizumi broke through the right-side pocket from a vertical pass by player Sato Yoshimasa and fired a powerful shot with his right foot. From the resulting right corner kick taken by Kitahara, Sato on the far side executed a direct volley, quickly switching between offense and defense, pushing forward into the opponent's territory with the goal in sight as the match progressed.
Tokyo wanted to finish their chances, but there were moments that made them nervous. In the 22nd minute of the first half, G Osaka was allowed to break through behind the last line from a feed by Suzuki, and it seemed that JEBALI scored a lob shot, but with VAR support and an on-field review, it was ruled offside and no goal was given. Although they were sweating nervously thinking they had conceded the first goal, they escaped the danger here.
A momentary lapse led to a dangerous situation, but the red and blue team continued to control the game. Soma ANZAI and Endo aimed for goals directly from free kicks, while defensively they effectively cut off the opponent's passing lanes. They did not allow G Osaka to maintain possession, forcing them into a long-ball-only attack and preventing them from creating chances. Using the pitch widely and mixing short and long passes, they advanced the game by leveraging RIAN's breakthrough ability.
Due to VAR support and on-field review, 8 minutes of additional time were displayed in the first half. At 45+4 minutes in the first half, a chance was created from the left side by Endo, Koizumi, and Sato, with the final attempt by Lucas RIAN narrowly going over the goal. While suppressing the opponent's strengths and maintaining dominance throughout the first half, the team was unable to shake the net before time was up. The half ended with a scoreless draw.
2nd HALF—A goal rush of 3 goals sparked by Tawara's first goal of the season
Tokyo, having experienced many times the hardship of not being able to convert scoring chances, wants to take the lead early and control the match. In the second half, they aimed for a goal and victory without making any substitutions.
The first chance was created by G Osaka. From a set piece, the ball was played behind the last line to JEBALI, but his soft touch shot missed the target.
With neither side able to gain momentum, a 15-year-old young warrior stepped up to change the flow. At 14 minutes into the second half, Kitahara received the ball on the left side, advanced forward, momentarily stopped to confuse the opposing defender, then dribbled again and unleashed a no-spin shot with his right foot that changed direction vertically. Although the shot went straight to the opposing goalkeeper, it was a scene that showed great potential.
At the 17th minute, Kita, Nagatomo, and Higashi were substituted with Kota TAWARATSUMIDA as inside half, Kosuke SHIRAI on the right side, and Takahiro KO, facing his former club, as defensive midfielder. Then at the 25th minute, Yasushi ENDO was replaced by Kento HASHIMOTO as defensive midfielder, and Koizumi shifted to left wing-back. Fresh players were brought onto the pitch to create chances and contribute to finishing.
Tokyo continues to aggressively aim for the goal. In the 29th minute of the second half, after pressing forward, the opposing goalkeeper's clearance was half-hearted, allowing player Sato to quickly seize the opportunity and sprint from behind. He entered the penalty area, dribbled past one defender, and took a shot. Riding the momentum from a full-speed cut, he approached the goal, but was denied the opening goal by the opposing goalkeeper's fine save.
Tokyo gradually got pushed back by G Osaka, and the time during which they couldn't connect passes to form attacks grew longer. Just as the situation was becoming difficult, the right foot of number 33, who had been struggling until now, finally ignited.
At the 41st minute of the second half, player Tawara Tsukida dribbled up from near the halfway line, accelerating as he broke through between the opposing defenders and rushed into the penalty area, striking sharply with his right foot. The struggling attacker finally scored his first goal of the season, and Tokyo finally succeeded in taking the lead.
With this, Tokyo's movement became lighter, and in the 45th minute of the second half, after pushing deep into the opponent's territory, they connected from the right side to the center, where player Takahashi scored an additional goal with a perfectly aimed super control shot directly into the top right corner of the goal.
The unstoppable Red and Blue Army scored their third goal in the 45+4 minute of added time in the second half. After a vertical pass from player Takashi, player Tawara Tsukida broke through and took a shot, which was saved but deflected off an opponent, resulting in an own goal. Entering the final stages at the 41st minute of the second half, they quickly decided the match with a goal rush.
All those involved with the blue and red endured a difficult period, overcame a great wall, and united to achieve a victory. The victory anthem and the "City That Never Sleeps" echoed throughout the Japan National Stadium, bringing joy for the first time in nine league matches.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (Second half 17 min: Kosuke SHIRAI) / Soma ANZAI / Teppei OKA / Kanta DOI
MF Keigo AZUMA (Second half 17 min: Yu GAO) / Keita ENDO (Second half 25 min: Kento HASHIMOTO) / Kei KOIZUMI (Second half 44 min: Leon NOZAWA) / Makki KITAHARA (Second half 17 min: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)
FW Yoshimasa SATO / Marcelo HIAN
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
MF Tsubasa TERAYAMA
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
41' Second Half: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA / 45' Second Half: Takahiro KO / 45+4' Second Half: Own Goal
<Gamba Osaka>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jun ICHIMORI
DF Shota FUKUOKA/Riku HANDA/Keisuke KUROKAWA/Shinnosuke NAKATANI
MF Tokuma SUZUKI/Rin MITO (35' 2nd half: Aki KURATA)/Alan FAN (25' 2nd half: Takashi USAMI)
FW Issam Jebari/Ryoya YAMASHITA (35' 2nd half: Takeru KISHIMOTO)/Makoto MITSUTA (44' 2nd half: Denis HUME)
SUBS
GK Masaaki HIGASHIGUCHI
DF Shinya NAKANO/Genta MIURA
FW Harumi MINAMINO/Ryotaro MESHINO
MANAGER
Daniel POYATOS
GOAL
－
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: Please summarize the match.
A, rather than a summary, I am just truly happy to have won for the first time in a long while, and to be able to deliver a victory to those who came to support us. That is all.
Q. In terms of the match development, I think the flow changed with a single play by Kota TAWARATSUMIDA. How do you perceive that?
It would be ideal if we could calculate the exact timing, but we haven't done that to such an extent. I believe that when the individual characteristics of the fresh players coming on as substitutes emerge, there will be moments where everything clicks perfectly. Also, there were many cases where second balls or loose balls came our way, so I had in mind that we could establish a short counterattack. That might not have been everything, but being able to create a good flow there, and the goal by player Tawara Tsukida felt like it loosened up something that had been a bit stiff until now. It showed that such a shot was possible, that such a vision was there, whether it was the central combination or the timing to connect with a running player—these things all came together at once, and I felt the significance of the goal.
Q. Will this be a turning point that changes the future course?
A, I believe it must be done that way.
Q: You substituted three players at the same time and changed the starting lineup. Please tell us what kind of strategy or image you had for playing with this lineup.
A, of course, everyone is well prepared, and regarding the flow of the match and Gamba Osaka's offensive characteristics, we had a clear plan on how to quickly attack by gaining territory or launching short counters the moment we intercepted the ball. While maintaining a vision of moving the ball effectively, our fundamental approach today was to continuously exploit the space behind the opponent. We aimed to recover the second ball and from there, I believe the short counters connected as planned to a certain extent. Ultimately, I think the players' ability to demonstrate quality play led to this result.
Q: You mentioned the day before that it is important to keep going, but what kind of words did you say to the players when they were unable to win?
A, despite not being able to win, everyone has truly been struggling and suffering, and there were many times when it was hard to accept the situation for a long period. Even so, the players have been putting in excellent efforts, and while always believing that such a day would come, I think they truly achieved a wonderful victory. I talk to the players about many things before each match, asking each one, "What can you do in today's game?" They each expressed their thoughts, and we had a meeting before today's match where they shared their feelings. I believe they carried out what they said in that meeting well today. Moreover, I told them, "If you don't firmly do what you can do, there will be no next game." First, let's give our all in today's match with our current feelings. With that in mind, we sent them out to fight together as a team, and they really created a great atmosphere. I got the impression that the ball rolls to the side with the stronger spirit.
In the pre-match meeting, I always talk about the emotional and mental aspects, such as motivation and challenges, but today I had each player speak up and answer, "What can you do in this game today?" I believe this result was achieved precisely because they did that.
Q: In the second half, when we were under pressure for a long time, please evaluate the young center-back players.
Without Masato MORISHIGE, who is a key pillar and central player for Tokyo, I believe they are fully aware of the opportunity they have. Not only from us but also from other players and coaches, they have been strongly urged to perform, and I think they have been able to demonstrate their true abilities. In the previous match, several players unfamiliar with these positions had to step up, so it was crucial to alleviate their concerns as much as possible. Although today was only the second match, addressing the issues from the last game and turning that into a victory will be a great confidence boost for them. I truly believe they delivered an outstanding performance.
Q. Do you feel the difficulty of building a team that brings out and makes the most of the strengths of the current players?
A, it never runs out. We are not relaxing here, and the next match is coming up soon. At any time and any moment, I have to keep my mind fully active, thinking about what I can do, what I can consider, and how I can effectively communicate the ideas I have to the players. I believe my energy is essential for that, and I must never do anything that would drain that energy. The players support me in many ways and push me forward. I feel that together we have somehow managed to overcome that challenge once.
[Player Interview]
＜Kota TAWARATSUMIDA＞
Q: It was your first victory in 9 matches, and I think the atmosphere at Japan National Stadium was also fantastic. How did you feel about it?
A, we are very grateful to have so many fans in attendance, and to be able to score three goals as a team in such an atmosphere, while also keeping a clean sheet, I think it was an excellent match. Up until now, we hadn’t scored any goals, and there were many moments where I missed chances, so it was truly a tough experience, but everyone on the team helped out, and I believe this was a match we all won together.
Q. How did you watch the game from the bench?
A, I thought the first half was a bit cramped with no space, so based on my experience, I had a feeling the second half would open up. When I came on in the second half, the game did open up and there was space, so I thought my strengths could come through. I prepared for that from the first half.
Q: You came on as a substitute and immediately dribbled forward, which excited the crowd. Was that part of your strategy?
A, During the match, I just focused on playing my game without thinking about anything else, and the coach told me the same. I was concentrating solely on showing my own play. Right after coming in, when Keita ENDO had the ball and I went around the outside to deliver a cross, there was space in front of me, and I had the feeling that "I can do it today."
Q, please review the goal scene.
A, it was a very happy and satisfying goal. There was space ahead, so I decided to go for it myself. When two opponents came at me, I had an image in my mind of slipping through the gap, and I was able to do just that, which felt great. The moment it went in, I felt like "Finally, it scored." This goal was thanks to everyone, so I am truly grateful to all of them.
Q. After scoring a goal, you ran towards the fans and supporters and shouted. Please tell us how you felt at that moment.
A, I felt like all my previous feelings were completely blown away. I think this goal became the turning point that gave momentum to both myself and the team. After the goal, everyone patted my head, which was a bit painful, but it was a happy pain because it was thanks to everyone.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the next match.
A, we want to carry this momentum into the next match and aim for consecutive wins. Personally, I am not satisfied with this result and intend to reflect on it and continue evolving.
<Takahiro KO>
Q, please review the scoring scene.
A, I was able to score as practiced. I practiced a lot yesterday, and my adductor muscles were even sore, so I'm glad I was finally able to score.
Q. You came on as a substitute. What did you focus on when entering the match?
A, I was frustrated with my first substitute appearance of the season. I turned that frustration into strength, and since the game was scoreless, I entered the match with a strong determination to change the flow and decide the game. In combination with Kei KOIZUMI, we communicated with him taking a position behind and me moving forward. I wanted to score today, and Kei KOIZUMI understood that. Although the time was short, it felt calming to stand next to him again after a long time.
Q. There was a long period without victories. How do you want to build on this win moving forward?
A, I hope this will be a trigger that leads to the next step. This one win alone is not enough, and it is important how we continue this. We have another match soon, so while maintaining the good parts from today, I believe there are definitely issues to address, and I want everyone to share a common awareness and work hard to improve them.
Q. Despite it being a weekday, many fans and supporters came to visit.
A, we were able to play the match in a good atmosphere, and not only Tokyo's fans and supporters but also many fans and supporters of Gamba Osaka came despite it being a weekday, so we were able to play in a very good atmosphere. I want to express my gratitude for being able to play under such conditions. Above all, I think it was great to be able to celebrate the victory with Tokyo's fans and supporters after a long time.
Q. How will you prepare and approach the next match against Shimizu S-Pulse?
Since we have another match soon, it is important to recover properly first. We will unify our intentions on the good points and areas for improvement and work hard to achieve consecutive wins.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, the hard work that led to the first victory in 9 matches was outstanding.
A, we just fought to win firmly. Of course, we are happy to have secured a victory at home for the first time in a while as a team, but there are still many points to improve. We want to take the win as a positive and make corrections heading into the next match.
Q. It seemed that the issues the team faced, such as intensity and sustained concentration, were also resolved.
A, everyone was able to play with a sense of urgency, and there was a lot of communication on the pitch. There were moments when we repeatedly gave the opponent set-piece opportunities in dangerous situations, but we played with high concentration. Although we were helped by VAR in the first half, overall it was good to finish the match without conceding any goals. However, there are many points to reflect on in both attack and defense. We want to thoroughly review and connect this to the next match.
Q. How do you feel about ending the match, which marked your 300th appearance in the J1 League, with a victory?
A, this is a record achieved not only in Tokyo but also through appearances with Albirex Niigata, Kashiwa Reysol, Kashima Antlers, and Sagan Tosu, and I am grateful to everyone who has been involved so far. I am also happy to have reached the milestone of 300 matches here in Tokyo.
Q, Kei KOIZUMI himself contributed to the victory as a starter in the league match for the first time in a while. The next match against Shimizu S-Pulse is scheduled for Tuesday. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, there is a sense of urgency that nothing will change unless we keep winning. Not a single player is getting carried away by this one victory. Above all, I believe the key point is how we fight in the next match. If we don't win next time, I want to approach the Shimizu match thinking that today's victory will have been meaningless.
