A crucial match where we aim for the top spot in the group and want to secure points as a united team, even away from home.

　ACL Group Stage Matchday 6 was played away against Ulsan Hyundai. In the match held at home on 3/20, Tokunaga scored the first goal with a brilliant shot. Although the opponent caught up with a goal in the late stages, Kajiyama's goal in the 83rd minute put us back in the lead. It seemed like we had almost secured the victory in the intense and tough battle. However, we conceded a goal in the final moments due to a defensive mistake. We played with a typical Tokyo-style football, dominating the game and always staying ahead, but unfortunately ended up with a disappointing draw.

　Two months have passed since then, but Tokyo stands at the top of the group with 3 wins and 2 draws, undefeated. Ulsan Hyundai, on the other hand, has also earned 11 points, just like Tokyo, and both have already secured a spot in the top 2. They have both qualified for the round of 16. However, according to the regulations of the ACL, the final ranking will be determined by the results of their direct match.

　The final standings for Group H, who will also be fighting in the round of 16 yesterday, have been decided. Guangzhou Evergrande finished first, followed by Kashiwa Reysol in second place. In the pre-match press conference, coach Ranko Popovic said, "We want to win and secure an advantage in the round of 16, so we will go for the points." It will be important for the team to continue their momentum and fight together with a strong mentality, both at home and away in Korea, in order to advance as the top team in the group.

　Tokyo, while continuing away games in the league, Ishikawa was injured in the Sapporo game, and Ota was also excluded from the traveling members due to fever. Considering the fatigue up to this point, we will face today's match with a fresh lineup. Muhara and Hyun Soo JANG as left and right DF, Takahashi and Yonemoto as double volante, Hasegawa as right MF, Kono as top under, and Kawano, who started for the first time after transferring, will replace Kajiyama, and Watanabe, who scored 3 goals in the ACL, will be the top.

　The team is in a difficult situation, but we want to show our growth and progress in the past two months, not just the results but also the quality of our games. Let's gather all our strength and give our all for victory! The match started at 19:30 with Ulsan's kickoff at Ulsan Munsu Stadium.

Tokyo Aim To Retain Group Lead In Korea

For the 6th and final game of the ACL group stage, Tokyo traveled to South Korea to take on Ulsan Hyundai. In the reverse fixture on March 20th, Tokyo had taken the lead through a fine goal from Tokunaga in the first half, only to be equalized in the 80th minute. A superb team move, finished off by Kajiyama, restored the lead, but a late equalizer denied Tokyo the win in a fiercely contested game that they had largely dominated.

Nearly two months on from that game and Tokyo sat atop their group with a W3 D2 L0 record. Ulsan boasted the same points total, meaning that both sides had qualified for the Round of 16. Tokyo's opponents in the next round would be either Guangzhou Evergrande or Kashiwa Reysol, who had finished first and second in the already completed group H. A win in Korea would give Tokyo home advantage in the next round, a fact acknowledged by manager Popovic in his press conference on the eve of the game, "We want every possible advantage we can in the next round and so we've come here to win".

Missing from the Tokyo squad were Ishikawa with an injury picked up in the away win over Sapporo and Ota who had a fever. Manager Popovic juggled his remaining squad players and introduced some fresh legs with Jang and Mukuhara appearing at side back, Takahashi and Yonemoto as defensive midfielders, Hasegawa on the right of midfield and Kawano, making his first start since his transfer, in the withdrawn striker role. Watanabe, with three goals in the competition already, played as the lone front man.

While Tokyo were in straightened circumstances and facing a difficult opponent, the game would serve to show how well the side had developed over the previous two months. A united team performance and a win were the objectives. Ulsan kicked off shortly after 7:30 pm at Ulsan Munsu Stadium.

The opponent scored one chance, and the first half ended with a one-point deficit.

　In this match, we expected the opponent to come out aggressively, but Tokyo took control from the beginning and the game progressed in the opponent's half. In the 9th minute, Hasegawa on the right side dribbled and shot a middle shot, but it went straight to the goalkeeper. In the 12th minute, Chang Hyun Soo on the right side, Hasegawa, and Takahashi attacked and shot a middle shot that hit the left post. Watanabe reacted to the rebound in the right area and took a decisive shot, but it also went wide of the goal...

　Moving at a Tokyo pace, we tried to take the ball from the opponent and attack, but there were many missed passes and we couldn't reach a decisive moment. In the 23rd minute, Hasegawa on the left side passed to Takahashi in front, who received it and dribbled inside to take a shot, but it went over the bar. In the 26th minute, we connected from the right side and Yonemoto changed sides from Watanabe's drop. This was aimed by Mokuhara and Taniyama from just outside the area, but the goalkeeper saved it and it went out for a corner kick...

　27 minutes, this Tanizawa's left CK is connected with a short pass and crossed to the center. Chanhyun Soo, who was free in the far post, headed it but it went wide to the right. In the 35th minute, Chanhyun Soo, who had taken a high position on the right side, crossed the ball. Kono jumped in front of the goal and took a direct shot, but it went too high. Then, in the 37th minute, Ulsan took advantage of a momentary gap from a right FK and scored from the chaos in front of the goal, taking the lead. They were able to capitalize on one chance and ended the first half with a one-goal deficit.

Ulsan Dispatch Sole Chance To Take Half Time Lead

Ulsan had been expected to make an aggressive opening to the match but it was Tokyo that seized the early initiative and the game was largely played in the hosts' half. In the 9th minute, Hasegawa won the ball on the right and played it infield to Watanabe who dribbled forward and shot from midfield. The effort was well-struck but flew straight to Kim Young-kwang in the Ulsan goal. Hasegawa was involved again in the 12th minute, collecting the ball from Jang and finding Takahashi who smacked a fierce drive against the left post. The ball rebounded out to Watanabe on the right but the striker failed to hit the target from a promising position.

Tokyo continued to regain possession and push forward yet the final ball frequently went astray, limiting the creation of clear-cut openings. In the 23rd minute Hasegawa hoisted the ball down the left, Takahashi knocked it down and Kawano dribbled inside then shot narrowly over the bar. Tokyo moved the ball down the right in the 26th minute, Watanabe knocked it down and Yonemoto switched the play out to Mukuhara on the left. Mukuhara cut the ball inside to Yazawa whose firm shot drew a save from Kim Young-kwang and earned a corner.

Yazawa played the corner short, then hoisted a cross to the back post where Jang headed narrowly wide. Jang was the provider in the 35th minute, driving deep down the right and crossing to Kawano who was unable to keep his shot down. In the 37th minute Ulsan won a free kick on the right, Tokyo failed to clear the ball and after a wild melee in the goalmouth it was forced over the line. The home side had taken the lead against the run of play with their only chance of the half, a lead they held until the first period ended.

Despite bringing in attacking players one after another to counterattack, they were unable to score and suffered a defeat.

　In the second half, we actively attack. In addition, in the 49th minute, Kajiyama was substituted for Kono, adding depth to our attack. In the 60th minute, Yonemoto intercepted the opponent's ball on the right side. He passed it to Tanizawa in the center of the area, who took a one-touch shot at goal, but the shot was saved by the GK. In the 64th minute, Kajiyama was fouled and we were awarded a free kick just outside the area on the right side. Morishige took a direct shot, but it hit a defender and went out for a corner kick on the right side.

　In the 69th minute, Lucas was substituted for Tanizawa. He played in the left MF position. In the 77th minute, Hasegawa, who had been trying to break through, took a ground pass from Lucas on the left side and attempted a shot, but it was saved by the GK... Kajiyama and Lucas were brought on, and as the opponents were defending with a man-marking style, they were able to make vertical passes to the front line, completely taking control of the game.

　In addition, Lins, who made his first appearance in an official match, was substituted for Hyun Soo JANG, who injured his leg in the 84th minute. Tokunaga was placed as the right DF, and Takahashi as the center back, launching a total attack to score. In the 87th minute, they earned a free kick just outside the right area. Kajiyama's kick was cleared, but Yonemoto and Tokunaga persistently connected, and Kajiyama took a shot from just outside the right area. However, it hit the left post... and Watanabe, who tried to grab the rebound, was offside.

　In the second half stoppage time, Takahashi's vertical pass was received by Lucas on the left side, and then he exchanged passes with Yonemoto behind him before a one-two with Kajiyama in the center. Lucas, who had gone around, took a shot! A big chance was created from a direct pass, but the shot was saved by the goalkeeper... Time's up. As a result, they passed the group stage in second place. In the round of 16, they will face Guangzhou Evergrande away on May 30th (Wednesday).

Attacking Substitutes Fail To Make Breakthrough

Tokyo began the second half attacking positively. In the 49th minute Kajiyama replaced Kawano, adding further weight to the Tokyo front line. In the 60th minute Yonemoto intercepted a loose pass in midfield and moved forward before finding Yazawa on the edge of the Ulsan area. Yazawa took a touch and fired in a shot that drew a fine save from the Ulsan keeper. Kajiyama was bundled over just outside the Ulsan area on the right in the 64th minute, giving Tokyo a free kick in a promising position. Mukuhara hammered the ball into the wall, earning a corner kick in the process.

Lucas replaced Yazawa in the 69th minute, slotting directly into the left wing position. In the 77th minute, Lucas held the ball up down the left and then found Yonemoto inside the Ulsan area; Yonemoto set up Hasegawa but once again the Ulsan keeper denied Tokyo with another save. With Lucas and Kajiyama on the field and Ulsan dropping deeper from their man-marking system, Tokyo were able to enjoy almost total domination.

Jang suffered a leg injury in the 84th minute and was unable to continue, meaning a first competitive game appearance for Hayashi. Tokunaga shifted to the right of the defense and Takahashi dropped back into a center back position. Tokyo won a free kick in the 87th minute outside the Ulsan area on the right. Kajiyama's initial ball was cleared but tenacious play by Yonemoto and Tokunaga regained possession for Tokyo. Kajiyama shot from the right side of the Ulsan area, beat the goalkeeper but hit the post yet again. Watanabe flung himself at the rebound and was given offside.

Tokyo created another great opportunity in added time of the second half. Lucas received a pass from Takahashi on the left, passed to Yonemoto, and then played a one-two with Kajiyama. The quick passing play opened up the Ulsan defense and Lucas took a shot on the turn, but Kim Young-kwang made a great save to keep his team in the game. The final whistle blew shortly after, resulting in a 1-0 defeat for Tokyo and second place in the group. This meant that Tokyo would have to travel to Guangzhou Evergrande for the Round of 16.

　[Player Comments]《Mukuhara》"It was tough and a tough game, but it was the most frustrating to be beaten by a set play because we had more time. The coach told us to squeeze the center when Hyun Soo JANG went forward, and we were aware of that. However, Hyun Soo is a defender and the balance of the back line was good even on the side, so we didn't have to pay special attention to it. We were only beaten by set plays throughout the game, but I think that's the nature of Asian battles. The game will continue, so first of all, I want to create a good atmosphere from the league matches and continue to do well in the future."

　《Watanabe》"I didn't feel like we were being dominated throughout the 90 minutes, but unfortunately we ended up losing. We need to be more solid in dealing with set pieces. (Were there many instances where you played with your back to the goal?) After conceding a goal, the opponent was able to close the middle and we couldn't create many chances. We were too focused on trying to play beautifully. (What about the opponent's defense?) It wasn't as intense as I thought, so looking back, I wish I had played more forward. In the future, I want to play with more confidence and look forward. I am grateful to the supporters for coming all the way here today. It's my first time in the ACL, but I believe we can go further if we play with all our strength and I will do my best."

　[Coach Popovic's Press Conference Summary]First of all, thank you very much. Regarding today's match, the result was disappointing. It's a common thing in the world of football, where the performance was good but the result didn't come. I think it was that kind of match. As I said before, I am very satisfied with everything except the result. We can evaluate the performance of our players and their attitude towards the match, and I think it was a match where we were able to show what we have been doing so far. In today's match, we were able to demonstrate what Japanese football, FC Tokyo's football, and the club are all about.

　I hope that everyone who watched the game enjoyed it and was satisfied. I would also like to express my gratitude to the supporters who traveled from far away. Unfortunately, we were not able to give the supporters the gift of playing the next game at home. I am sorry for that. However, if we can continue to show games like today's, I believe that people will continue to come to the stadium and we will be able to fill it to capacity in the near future.

　Congratulations on winning against Ulsan. However, I would like to reiterate that I want to praise our players for their good performance once again.

Players' comments
Mukuhara
"It was a tough game but we enjoyed long spells on top so conceding from a set play was the most disappointing aspect. The manager told us to squeeze the midfield when our opponents pushed forward and we were focusing on that, but they maintained their defensive balance very well when they pushed on. The only time we came under any serious threat was from that one set play, which is a typical Asian feature I think. The games are coming thick and fast so I feel the best thing we can do is to create a good atmosphere in the league and take it from there".

Watanabe
"It didn't feel like we were under any serious pressure for the whole of the game yet the final result was that we lost. We have to be more solid at set plays. After they scored they stiffened their central defence and that meant I was playing with my back to the goal far more. We were solely focused on carving them open with pretty football. Their defence wasn't quite as fierce as I'd expected and later in the game I was able to play facing their goal much more. I'd like to play with more confidence facing the goal in the future. I'd like to thank the supporters for coming all this way to cheer us on. This is our first time in the ACL and I think that if we give it our all we can go further in the competition. We'll do our best".


FC Tokyo manager Popovic
"First of all, I'd like to say thank you. Regarding the game, the only disappointing thing was the result. It's something that happens often in football; you play well but don't get the result. That's the kind of game it was today, I think. As I said at first, I'm satisfied with everything except the result. I thought both the performance and the players' approach to the game were estimable and I felt we showed the way we've been playing until now. I thought the game exemplified what Japanese football and FC Tokyo are all about.

I think it was an enjoyable game for the people who watched it. I'd also like to express my gratitude to our supporters who made the long trip here today. It's very disappointing that we won't be able to play the next match in front of our own fans and I feel sorry about that. However, I think that if we can put in performances like the one today then it won't be long before we'll be playing in front of a full house for our home games.

I'd like to congratulate Ulsan on their victory and to praise our players for their performance once again".

[Ulsan Hyundai Kim Ho-gon's press conference summary]"It was great to finish first in the group, but the performance today was not very good. We want to make adjustments for the round of 16. (Unlike three years ago, this time we finished first in the group) Three years ago, we didn't really understand the importance of the ACL and we couldn't even prepare for it. This time, I felt that if we could achieve good results, it would raise the value of our players and improve Korea's image. So we prepared a lot and were able to finish first."

　The teams we played against this time were Australia, China, and Japan, but the level was different for each country compared to before. Australia had a big change. China didn't have much change, but I think Japan is a country that we need to be very cautious about in the future. We wanted to dominate the game, but we couldn't do it today and it was tough. We want to continue studying Japanese soccer and diversify our attacking style.

　(How to prepare from Round 16?) First of all, our opponent for Round 16 is Kashiwa Reysol, who were the J-League champions last season. We want to make thorough preparations and have a dominating game. I think Kashiwa also knows the Korean style of soccer well, but I believe they have a similar style to FC Tokyo, so we want to be well prepared and face the game.

Ulsan Hyundai manager Kim Ho-gon

"It's great that we've finished top of the group but the performance wasn't particularly good today. We have many things to put right before the Round of 16. I think that three years ago we didn't really understand the importance of the ACL and our preparation wasn't the best it could have been. This time I felt that if we could get the results then it would improve the players' reputation and the image of Korean football. We worked hard in preparation and were able to finish first in the group.
We found that there had been some major changes in the levels of our opponents this time round.

Australia had changed dramatically, China not so much but Japan has changed drastically and we will have to be on our guard in the future. We had wanted to overwhelm them with our pressure but couldn't and that made it a demanding game for us. We have to study Japanese football and diversify our attack from now on.

Our opponents in the Round of 16 are Kashiwa Reysol, last year's Japanese champions. We want to prepare thoroughly and overpower them. I think they play a similar style to FC Tokyo so we will adjust our preparations and look forward to the encounter.