Rematch...

The J2 League, which has already entered the second round since the previous round, has seen FC Tokyo reclaim the top spot with an impressive 4-game winning streak. However, the top three teams are all tied at 20 points, making for a tight race. Today's opponent is Niigata, who started the season with a 7-game winning streak and caused a stir in the J2 League. Although they have since suffered 3 consecutive losses and dropped to 2nd place, they are known for their solid defense and sharp counterattacks, making for a tough battle. In the previous match (3/28), they suffered a heartbreaking defeat due to a "nightmare" penalty kick, so this rematch was a highly motivated match with a determination to win. In addition, on this day, over 80 fans joined the first bus tour of the season and traveled to "enemy territory" Niigata, joining the already present "goal end" supporters, forming a cheering squad of over 130 people, repeatedly chanting "Tokyo! Tokyo!" On the other hand, Niigata also had their highest attendance of over 9,000 fans, and with the help of the scorching 25 degree heat, the Niigata City Athletics Stadium was filled with an intense atmosphere.

Unable to create any chances...

In the first half, Tokyo tried to build up their attack by constantly giving the ball to Almir as usual, but Niigata was on guard for vertical passes from Almir to the front line and cut off every ball with thorough pressing. As a result, Tokyo was unable to create opportunities in the front line and could not find a way to attack. Occasionally, Fujiyama from the left and Yukihiko from the right attempted to dribble and make a final pass, but they were unable to create any real chances against Niigata's determined and passionate play. On the other hand, Niigata quickly launched counter attacks after winning the ball and created chances with sharp attacks.

Once again, we cry over a penalty kick...

Tokyo, who wants to regroup in the second half, has been using Koike as a link between offense and defense in the past few games, and is trying to create an attacking rhythm by putting Almir up front. Koike faithfully and easily distributes the ball, allowing Almir to move freely up front. As planned, Almir functions as a focal point up front and gradually Tokyo's original rhythm begins to emerge. However, just at that moment, Tokyo is caught off guard. In the 3rd minute of the second half, while everyone is focused on attacking, the ball is stolen on the left side and a perfect long pass is sent behind the vulnerable Tokyo defense. The speedy Niigata FW breaks through and seems to be running away, but DF Komine catches up and fiercely competes. The two tangle and fall in the penalty area. In response, the referee's decision is a foul by Tokyo and a PK is awarded. In the previous match (3/28), a similar situation occurred and a PK was awarded, ultimately resulting in the winning goal. The "nightmare" of a repeat flashes through their minds. The ball kicked by the kicker is initially blocked by Horiike, but is pushed in by the Niigata player who was following up, resulting in the first goal being conceded. Tokyo, who wants to regain their composure and attack, brings in the promising FW Wada. In the 30th minute of the second half, DF Furukawa is brought in and Sandro is moved up to FW, aiming for a goal with an all-out power play. However, their monotonous attack is unable to break through Niigata's determined defense, and instead they concede a final goal from a quick counterattack just before the end. In the end, once again, a "PK" becomes the cause of defeat, and they suffer the humiliation of a second consecutive loss to Niigata...