The big match!

The intense battle for the top spot continues in the J2 League as we enter the 24th round, finally reaching the two-thirds mark of the long-awaited league season. After this round, there will be only 12 games left to play. It is now the time when the race for the top spot heats up between the top two teams. Today's match between the top two teams, who are battling for the top spot, was held at Nishigaoka with a crowd of 4,844 people, the second highest attendance for a league match this season (the highest being 6,148 people for the Sapporo match [4/29, Nishigaoka]). Currently, Kawasaki Frontale is in first place with 47 points, while FC Tokyo is in second place with 45 points. If Tokyo wins within 90 minutes, they will extend their points to 48 and take the top spot with a lead of "+1" points. However, if they lose within 90 minutes, the gap between them and the top spot will widen to "-5" points, and they will have to keep an eye on the "footsteps" of third place Oita and fourth place Sapporo, who are quickly closing in. As the team aiming to become the first J2 champion, Tokyo could not afford to lose in a direct confrontation at this stage and fall far behind the top spot.

Could not create a decisive opportunity in the first half

After a recovery period of about three months, Nishigaoka Soccer Stadium has transformed into a vibrant "green carpet". On this day, we were welcomed back in our best condition for the "big match". The "red dragonflies" were flying around the field and stands, making it feel like autumn has fully arrived at Nishigaoka. However, the scorching sun was still reminiscent of summer. The game began in the heat of nearly 30 degrees. Tokyo, missing their absolute ace Amaral due to accumulated warnings, deployed speedy striker Kaburagi and attacking left midfielder Okamoto, who had returned from injury, to disrupt the relatively shallow defensive line of Kawasaki Frontale and exploit the space behind. However, Tokyo struggled against the intense midfield press and were unable to distribute effective passes to the front line, resulting in a lack of chances. Almir also tried to establish a foothold in the front line, but was marked tightly and unable to make an impact. With no attacking options left, Tokyo resorted to monotonous long balls. However, this was not enough to break through Kawasaki Frontale's stable defense. The only real chance came when left back Fujiyama joined the attack, his sharp dribbling and quick combination play breaking through Kawasaki Frontale's defense several times.

On the other hand, Kawasaki F has been building their attack by aggressively pressing and taking the ball in the midfield, then distributing it to TUTO and TERRY, their two top players. These two have excellent speed, technique, and stamina, and they use their intense position changes to evade marking and create chances with precise passing. Tokyo has been pushed back for a considerable amount of time, but their defense has been charging at the two players effectively, not allowing them to take any free shots. In addition, even in crucial moments, goalkeeper Suzuki has made daring leaps to save the day. As the first half shows with a shot count of 1-7, the game has been dominated by Kawasaki F.

Second half of Tokyo's pace

In the second half, the pace shifted to Tokyo's favor. In the first half, Almir, who had been fixed in the center, started to move more freely to the left and right, with another player covering the open space, gradually finding their rhythm. In the 53rd minute, Almir intercepted a pass in the center and passed it to Yukihiro on the right. Yukihiro took a powerful shot, but unfortunately it was caught by the goalkeeper. In the following 54th minute, Fujiyama intercepted the ball and dribbled past three players, passing it to Yukihiro on the right again. He took a dribble and then took a shot, but it was blocked by the opposing defender's tackle. After the game continued at Tokyo's pace, in the 68th minute, TUTO, who had been leading Kawasaki F's attack, was sent off with a second yellow card, giving Tokyo a one-man advantage. However, Tokyo was unable to take advantage of this opportunity and instead Kawasaki F stepped up their game. Despite being outnumbered, Kawasaki F covered the missing player with their intense physicality and fighting spirit. They mainly defended with 10 players and occasionally launched sharp counterattacks. In the 84th minute, a free kick from the right by Kawasaki F was headed in, and for a moment it seemed like they had been scored on, but the decision was offside. Despite being one man down, Kawasaki F's efforts were noticeable.

Still no resolution...

As the game went into extra time, the energy of Kawasaki Frontale, who were down one player, suddenly dropped. The game continued at a Tokyo pace, and Enomoto, who came on in the middle of the second half, took advantage of the opposing defenders' sluggishness and unleashed a powerful long shot. 102

After GK Suzuki prevented a big pinch, Tokyo's fierce attack continued completely. Just before the end of the first half of extra time, there were 4-5 consecutive Tokyo CKs, and they showered shots at the Kawasaki F goal. However, due to Tokyo's lack of decision-making ability and Kawasaki F's efforts, it did not end, and it went to the second half of extra time. As if telling a fierce battle, Kawasaki F's Tinger's foot cramped and he couldn't run properly. Tokyo players also showed signs of fatigue, and in the end they couldn't create any chances and the game between Tokyo and Kawasaki F, just like the game on April 4th (Todoroki), ended without a decision after 120 minutes of fierce battle.

<Director Matsumoto's Comment>

Despite a very difficult situation (10 players), the players stayed focused and worked hard. The defense against Tokyo was practiced repeatedly over the course of a week. The players executed it faithfully and overall defended well.

<Coach Okuma's Comment>

(With one player sent off), we had a numerical advantage but couldn't break through. At times like this, we didn't have a player who could be the core in the midfield. There were also decisive chances, and it was a game we had to win. However, in terms of defense, I think the team did well overall.