A tough battle against powerhouse Nagoya!?

Tokyo, who took the lead at the end of the second round, will face Nagoya Grampus Eight in a night game this round. Nagoya has transformed into a team that continues to win since welcoming Joao CARLOS as head coach in the middle of last season, and also won the Emperor's Cup. This season, although they lost their key defender Thales, it was expected that they would maintain their team strength by reinforcing with Homiru from Brazil. However, they have lost to Kashima and Iwata since the opening. They should be eager to win today and regain their form. In the past, Tokyo Gas played against Nagoya in the Emperor's Cup in 1997 during the JFL era. Tokyo Gas won 3-1 against a team without STOJKOVIC and gained momentum towards the best four. Today, the key will be how to contain the attacking force centered around STOJKOVIC. Nagoya has a stronger team, but it's a home game! Show Tokyo-style soccer and defeat Nagoya to achieve a three-game winning streak at the opening!

Intense Battle Despite Being Scored First

Nagoya had the first big chance. In the 6th minute, MF Okuyama took a direct shot from the post and Hirano took a shot. This one just missed the frame, but immediately after that, Stojkovic kicked a CK ball that went over the heads of Komine and Amaral and landed perfectly for the opponent's MF, 183cm Koga. He scored a powerful header, and Tokyo (after J1 promotion) suffered their first goal.

After that, Nagoya continued to use direct plays and dominated the game, while Tokyo fought back with persistent defense. In the 33rd minute, TUTO dribbled on the left side and passed to the opposite side. Amaral's quick shot hit the post! After that, Tokyo created numerous chances. The game was evenly matched. Starting with STOJKOVIC, Nagoya showed brilliant passing in front of the goal, or long balls from the defensive line to the front line, demonstrating a variety of attacks. On the other hand, Tokyo did not fall behind, with Naito and Yukihiko passing to the space where the opponent's right midfielder Mochizuki was advancing, and TUTO and Kobayashi attacking the left side. As both teams fought fiercely in the midfield, the intense time of switching between offense and defense continued.

Yukihiko, two consecutive goals for a comeback!

Before the start of the second half, Asari, who came out onto the pitch, received calm and polite advice from substitute member Asano. It was a scene that showed that the players are not just fighting alone as a team of 11.

Nagoya, who wants to score an additional point when the second half begins, has come out fiercely. If Tokyo shows any gaps, such as passing mistakes or fouls, they will quickly take advantage of them. In the 59th minute, Tokyo substituted Kina for Koike, making his first appearance. They want to quickly turn the tide of the game. However, in the 60th minute, Nagoya gave away consecutive corner kicks. But they managed to defend against them with their strong defense. In the 73rd minute, Nagoya substituted Iijima for Okuyama, changing their formation from 3-back to 4-back in order to protect their one point lead. However, this caused the pressure in the midfield to decrease, and Tokyo began to take control of the game. In the 80th minute, Amaral's shot deflected off a defender and TUTO quickly turned and passed it to Yukihiro in front of the goal. Yukihiro received this perfect last pass and kicked it in with all his might! This was a crucial equalizer for Yukihiro, following his game-winning goal against Fukuoka. He showed his strength in crucial moments and brought the game into extra time.

We did it! The King of Tokyo is here!!

Tokyo, which excels in physical fitness even in extra time, tried to aggressively attack with momentum. In the 100th minute, they stole the ball from the opponent's corner kick and launched a counter attack. With quick transitions between offense and defense, Tokyo created a great opportunity, but in the end, Yukihiro's pass was intercepted, causing a sigh from the stands... Immediately after, Stojkovic had a free shot, and there were also dangerous moments like this one. However, without getting discouraged, they chased after the ball and Asari passed it to Amaral just outside the penalty area from a deep position. Amaral, who was one-on-one with the defender, made a move by dribbling into the middle! The ball, kicked with quick footwork, grazed the fingertips of goalkeeper Narazaki and went into the goal!! The left foot of the King of Tokyo marked the end of the 104-minute battle.

A hard-fought V goal. The three points may only be two, but the team did not give up even after conceding the first goal and managed to turn the game around for a victory. This fighting spirit, full of determination and never giving up, will lead to even greater things in the future. Show us your growth with that passion, Tokyo!

Coach's Comment

"Comment from Joao CARLOS, coach."

"In the first half, we were in good shape and were able to create chances. We were also able to mark the opponent's two top players and their attacks from the sides, and we ended the first half in a good position by taking the lead. In the second half, we thought about bringing in Iijima instead of Okayama to play defensively, but we ended up dropping back completely and playing to the opponent's rhythm. We dropped back too much and gradually let them take control, resulting in a loss. Tokyo is a team that has been promoted from the second division and is known for playing simple football, but they also have technical skills. Today, the left side was more attacking than we expected. Even when we were behind, everyone was working hard to make a comeback. This team is capable of playing simple and beautiful football at times."

"Coach Ooguma's comment"

"In terms of physicality, I think we were able to keep up until the end, but it was a game with many points to reflect on. However, I think that the fact that we were able to withstand the 1-0 lead without losing balance even after being scored on led to our victory. We want to improve on the points we need to reflect on, such as the build-up and plays that should not be done in the defensive zone, and aim even higher. In J1, I think we can do a decent job in terms of physicality, defense, and switching between offense and defense. However, there were also times when our choices were wrong and our accuracy was low, especially in the defense, midfield, and attack zones. In the past three games, the players have been able to maintain their focus and approach each game with the same determination as the opening game. I think this has led to our results and has greatly contributed to our mental well-being. However, I think that in a way, we need to stay humble because in this tough league, that confidence can easily be shattered. It is important for us to continue to approach each game with the same determination and prepare for the next one."