Revenge Match...

The J2 League has quickly entered its second round since the last match, with FC Tokyo reclaiming the top spot with an impressive four consecutive wins. However, the teams from first to third place are tied with 20 points each, resulting in a fierce competition. The opponent for this day is Niigata, who achieved a remarkable seven consecutive wins at the start of the season, creating a whirlwind in the J2 League. After suffering three consecutive losses, they have now fallen to second place, but they are known for their solid defense and sharp counterattacks, making this match expected to be a tough battle. In the previous encounter (on March 28), they narrowly lost due to a penalty that can only be described as a 'nightmare,' so this match, being a revenge match, was approached with a strong determination to win. Additionally, on this day, over 80 fans participated in the season's first bus tour to 'enemy territory' Niigata, and when combined with the number of fans who joined them at the venue, they formed a large support group of about 130 people, repeatedly chanting 'Tokyo! Tokyo!' On the other hand, Niigata also saw their highest attendance of the season, with over 9,000 fans filling the stands, and with temperatures reaching 25 degrees, reminiscent of a midsummer day, the Niigata City Athletic Stadium was enveloped in an extraordinary atmosphere.

Unable to create any real chances...

In the first half, Tokyo gathered the ball to Almir as usual to build their attack, but Niigata was wary of Almir's vertical passes to the front line and cut off every ball with thorough pressing. As a result, Tokyo was unable to create points up front and could not find a way to attack. Occasionally, Fujiyama on the left and Yukihiko on the right attempted to break through with dribbles and deliver the final pass, but they could not create any real chances against Niigata's determined and physical play. On the contrary, Niigata quickly transitioned after winning the ball and created chances with sharp counterattacks.

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

Entering the second half, Tokyo aimed to regroup by assigning Koike, who has been active as a link between offense and defense in recent matches, to the defensive midfield position and moving Almir forward to create attacking rhythm. Koike faithfully and easily distributed the ball, allowing Almir at the front to move freely. As intended, Almir functioned as a focal point in the attack, and gradually Tokyo's original rhythm began to emerge. However, just at that moment, Tokyo was caught off guard. In the 3rd minute of the second half, as everyone was focused on the attack, the ball was stolen on the left side, and a superb long pass was sent behind the weakened Tokyo defense. A speedy Niigata forward broke free and seemed poised for a solo run, but defender Komine caught up and fiercely contested the ball. As they entered the penalty area, both players tangled and fell. The referee's decision was a foul by Tokyo, resulting in a penalty kick. In the previous match (on March 28), a similar situation led to a penalty being awarded, and that single point ended up being the decisive goal for their loss, so the