Focus on the match in front of you and aim for the Semifinal Round!

　In the 4th Round of the Emperor's Cup, we will face Mito Hollyhock. After suffering a regrettable defeat in the final league match against Sapporo away, we will approach this last tournament of the season with lingering frustration. Coach Okuma stated, "There was no carelessness in the Sapporo match, but we were caught off guard in terms of content. It is important to switch our mindset and, in a good way, forget about winning the championship or returning to J1. How much we can concentrate on the tournament of the Emperor's Cup is truly important. Mito will surely fight with determination, and it won't be easy."

　Mito, who finished 17th in the league, has shown a remarkable performance in the Emperor's Cup, defeating Gamba Osaka following Sapporo, which can be considered a "golden victory." As the champions of J2, they are an opponent that cannot be underestimated, but since both teams are familiar with each other's strengths, it won't be easy for either side to secure a win. Above all, in a tournament where anything can happen, the key to victory lies not just in the difference in strength, but in maintaining composure for the full 90 minutes and capitalizing on any openings the opponent may leave.

　Tokyo sees Kajiyama returning to the starting lineup after injury. The team will approach the match with the previous formation that places Hanyu in the attacking midfield role. As Kajiyama mentioned, "Mito has players with individual characteristics," it is essential to focus on defense to prevent the ball from reaching Mito's forward Suzuki, who has decisive power, as well as side midfielders Koike and Shimada, who are capable of both dribbling and crossing. Additionally, even if the ball is lost during an attack, applying pressure from a high position will prevent counterattacks and instead create significant opportunities, making quick defensive transitions from the front line crucial.

　Regarding the Emperor's Cup, Coach Okuma expressed his determination, saying, "As a club, it is true that there are walls to overcome in order to defeat traditional teams and compete in Asia. However, we want to challenge ourselves with a commitment to action and strive to seize victory with our own strength." He maintains focus on the upcoming match and aims to do his best to advance to the quarterfinals. The match started at 13:04 with a kickoff from Tokyo at K's denki Stadium Mito on a clear day.

Took the lead with an own goal, but ended the first half without gaining momentum

　The match started with action early on. In the 8th minute, after a left throw-in, the opponent's clearance was short, and we persistently regained possession and connected the play, with Hanyu passing to the left area. Tanizawa skillfully dribbled into close range of the goal and sent a final pass straight ahead. Kajiyama was closing in at the near post, but as the ball that the opposing defender tried to clear slipped through the center, it went into the net. This own goal was induced by a typical Tokyo-style combination play, allowing us to take the lead.

　This was supposed to give us a psychological advantage and allow us to control the match, but utilizing Mito FW Suzuki's ability to hold the ball, we drew a foul and created a chance for the opponent from a set piece. Still, we created a decisive opportunity from the set piece. In the 19th minute, there was a free kick from the right side. Ishikawa delivered it slightly backward, and Mukuhara shot it directly, but it went straight to the GK. In the 22nd minute, from a right corner kick, Morishige jumped in with his head but was cleared, leading to another left corner kick. Taniyama's kick was redirected by Kajiyama's header, but it went wide of the goal.

　In the 24th minute, a slightly withdrawn Tanizawa passed a through ball to Lucas on the right side of the area. Lucas skillfully controlled it and exchanged short passes with Hanyu before moving to the center. Here, a free Kajiwara made a run and took a shot, but it was blocked just in front by the opposing DF... Immediately after, Takahashi intercepted in midfield and surged up the left side for a counterattack. He evaded the opposing DF and took a shot himself, but it went wide. After that, there were moments when Mito's second line created scoring opportunities, but they were contained mainly by Gonda, and both teams ended the first half without capitalizing on their chances.

In the end, we held our ground and kept the opponent's attacks scoreless to achieve victory!

　In the 47th minute of the second half, Mito MF Shimada broke through behind the defense, creating a decisive moment, but Gonda made a quick save. The rebound was targeted by Mito MF Ozawa just outside the area, but it went wide, avoiding a crisis... After that, Mito's bold play continued to create danger, and we were troubled for a long time. Therefore, in the 57th minute, Roberto CESAR was brought on to replace Hanyu, aiming to utilize speed to seek an additional goal.

　However, there were many situations where they were caught offside, making it difficult to find their rhythm. In the 61st minute, Tokunaga dribbled up the right side and delivered a cross. Lucas dropped it, and Taniyama took a powerful shot from the center, but it hit Lucas in the front line. In the 73rd minute, Tanabe was brought on to replace Ishikawa. Shortly after, an opponent's right cross went to the far side, and Mito MF Koike was free in the area. It was a decisive moment, but the shot went wide. They were saved by the mistake.

　In the 85th minute, Morishige intercepted the ball in his own half and dribbled forward. He brought the ball close to the goal but couldn't take a shot. From there, they connected the play, and in the end, Tanabe earned a corner kick. Just before the end, from Tanabe's exquisite through pass, Cesar broke into the right area and took a shot, but it was blocked by the goalkeeper's save... They couldn't score until the end, finishing with just one own goal, but Mito maintained their concentration and kept a clean sheet, securing the victory. As a result, they advanced to the Semifinal Round and will face Urawa Reds in Kumagaya on December 24.

　[Player Comments] {Kajiyama} "It has been a while since I've played a game with an opponent, and at first, I couldn't grasp the feeling of the game, and my connection with the ball wasn't good. However, I gradually got used to it and I think I was able to play without any issues in the second half. The injury area and my physical condition were also fine. (What about the goal scene?) Getting into that position is something I always keep in mind, but I didn't really do anything by just getting in there. I didn't even touch the ball. But it turned into an own goal, so maybe it was good that I didn't touch it (laughs). The pitch was bouncy, but we focused on maintaining our style of soccer and connecting the plays. There were many mistakes in that, but I think it was good that we were able to keep the score at zero by being aware of switching and covering. I think it was also good that I was able to put my body on the line for the full 90 minutes."

　Konno: "Mito's defense is more about marking players than covering spaces behind, and we struggled to keep the ball and were pushed back. We couldn't create our own time, and we haven't had many matches this season where the opponent held the ball this much, but I think we managed to stay focused defensively. I wasn't present during the match at Ajinomoto, but we fought aggressively away and showed decisiveness. I always have the impression that they give us a hard time. We were able to win today, but in a one-off match, a single mistake can be fatal. I want to reflect on that and use it for the next time."

　【Summary of Coach Okuma's Press Conference】 "After scoring one goal, we lacked a bit of aggression emotionally. In particular, we struggled with winning the ball and creating defensive opportunities. Since we had the ball to some extent, we often fell back, and there weren't many players making runs behind the defense. I felt we were a bit lacking in terms of threat. However, Mito has also solidified their lineup towards the end of the league and has become very strong, so I knew today wouldn't be an easy match. There was a moment at the end where we had to slide, but I think Gonda and Takahashi did well to put their bodies on the line."

　I believe that the persistence in defense showed what we have been doing in the league matches, which led to our victory. Also, when the game stretches out, we need to improve our judgment and accuracy on whether to dribble, pass, use players, or shoot. At a higher level, we will face tough matches where we might be equalized or turned around. We have homework to do for the next match. I want to resolve these issues and approach the next game with confidence.

　[Summary of Coach Hashiratani's Press Conference] I think the early own goal resonated very strongly, but I believe it was a game where we were able to do everything we wanted and needed to do for the full 90 minutes. The players fought well until the end. It was a game where I could accept that losing was just part of it. I really think the players did a great job. (In the 3rd match, what points have you grown through the three encounters?) I believe today was the best game in every aspect and we were evenly matched. We chased the ball without falling back too much. Even when we were countered, we were able to defend firmly without panicking. It was truly a game where I felt the players' growth.