The joy of defeating the championship contenders!

After a two-week break since the last match, the J1 League's third round will be an away game against Júbilo Iwata. During these two weeks, Júbilo has been competing in the Asian Club Championship in Indonesia, and key players like Namiki, Hattori, and Takahara have been preparing for the match against the Japan national team in France. Looking at the starting lineup, all field players have experience representing various categories, making for a luxurious roster. However, fatigue and poor condition from consecutive matches are expected, so now is the time to strike. Last year in the first stage, we managed to pull off a stunning counterattack against this strong team, but in the second stage, we were shown the difference in strength and suffered a defeat. Today, while hoping for victory, I am also curious about how Tokyo will confront this top contender for the championship.

Tokyo's lineup features Shimohira, making his first appearance this season, partnering with Asari in a double pivot, with Miura on the left and Masuda on the right. Additionally, Kelly steps in as forward in place of the injured Amaral. The match kicked off at Júbilo Iwata Stadium, where sunny intervals appeared in the afternoon.

Responding with intense pressing to contain the opponent's strengths

As if both teams are demonstrating the importance of today's match with their bodies, a fast-paced and intense play unfolds from the start. Both teams are trying to seize control with aggressive pressing. Júbilo has high individual skills and is also a threat on set pieces, so they continue to battle for possession in midfield while avoiding fouls in dangerous zones. In the 6th minute, Júbilo passes from Fujita in the center to Nanami on the left, who dribbles up the left side and sends a superb cross between the Tokyo goalkeeper and the defensive line. The ball just missed Nakayama's header, but they displayed quick combination play. Meanwhile, in the 8th minute, Tokyo responded with a dribble along the left sideline by Kelly, connecting direct passes from Fujiyama to Shitohira to Rohi before Masuda took a shot from the right. Unfortunately, it went just wide of the left goal, but they fought back well.

However, Júbilo gradually breaks through Tokyo's press and goes on the attack. At the 15th minute, from a direct free kick by Nanami to Nakayama. At the 16th minute, from consecutive corners, finally a headed shot by Yu FUJITA, although neither results in a goal, they manage to gain the upper hand in the match. On the other hand, Tokyo is not overwhelmed by the fast passing but struggles to enter the opponent's territory. At the 22nd minute, Nanami attempts a long-range shot with individual skill. At the 27th minute, Oku, positioned deep on the left, sends a long ball to top striker Nakayama, Yu FUJITA connects it, and Oku takes another long-range shot. Mixing short and long passes, their ability to build attacks from anywhere seems to work like a body blow... Immediately after, Tokyo responds as Naito reacts to Shimodaira's pass, runs into the space left open by Júbilo's three-back defense, and prepares to shoot, but the defender cuts it off. Kelly drifts to the side for a wide attack, and Shimodaira tries to initiate from the center, but hesitation in front of the goal prevents them from creating a decisive chance.

A moment of carelessness? An accident? Easily conceding the first goal

Although Jubilo cannot be said to be in top form in terms of passing and shooting accuracy, Tokyo has been fighting well so far. However, in the 28th minute, Sandro made a back pass to goalkeeper Doi from a deep position near the goal line, which was chased down fiercely by Nakayama of Jubilo. The ball that Doi kicked out in desperation ended up at the feet of Takahara from Jubilo. Doi had no choice but to stop Takahara, who was trying to dribble the ball from the right side of the penalty area into the center, with a foul... In the 29th minute, Hattori calmly converted the penalty kick awarded from this play, allowing Tokyo to concede the first goal due to Nakayama's sharp play.

Perhaps the tension was released for a moment, as in the following 30 minutes, Nakayama from Júbilo Iwata dropped the ball from a post play, allowing Takahara to shoot freely. The shot barely missed to the right of the goal, escaping a critical danger, but it allowed a decisive chance. However, Tokyo regrouped and counterattacked. In the 37th minute, Masuda made a move, and in the 43rd minute, Miura connected to Masuda, who passed to Kelly, who broke free from the left penalty area to shoot, but could not score. In stoppage time, a cross from the right by Masuda found Shimohira, who made a diving header, but Loris could not shoot on the rebound. Conversely, Júbilo counterattacked quickly, with Takahara breaking free just behind Tokyo's defense, shooting from an offside position. However, Doi made a super save with one hand, and when the rebound came, Takahara shot again, but Doi saved it with his body! Tokyo showed their determination and did not allow an additional goal, ending the first half.

Nipped in the bud of counterattack

Although they allowed the opening goal, Coach Okuma's instructions at halftime were, "There is nothing wrong. A chance will come eventually, so let's continue as we are." However, right after the start of the second half, Júbilo's kickoff found Nakayama running down the left side, and Nishi, who sprinted in with great speed for a right-side switch, took a shot that caused a scare. When Iwata sees a chance, even defender Hattori dribbles up to the penalty area, truly implementing an all-out attack and defense. In the 53rd minute, Naito's back pass was once again intercepted by Júbilo's Nakayama, who shot, but this was caught by Doi. Tokyo counterattacked quickly, with Rohi dropping the ball off the post to connect with Kelly, who shot, showing a wave of attacks, but they could not threaten the goal.

At the 63rd minute, Sato was brought on to replace Asari. Miura was positioned in the center, with Sato on the right and Masuda on the left in the formation. Immediately at the 65th minute, Róbis received a through pass from Sato with his back to the goal, turned his body, and took a shot, but the ball went straight to the goalkeeper. However, from around the 70th minute, Tokyo seemed to rush their attacks and lose balance, allowing many shooting opportunities for Júbilo Iwata. At the 72nd minute, Takahara connected with a cross from Nanami, and Nakayama took a shot. Then at the 73rd minute, Nakayama again faced the goalkeeper one-on-one after Sandro's clearance mistake and took a shot. Time passed with Júbilo Iwata being saved by their missed shots. At the 74th minute, Kina replaced Shimodaira, and at the 83rd minute, Matsuda made his first appearance of the season, replacing Naito. Sometimes Miura also moved up front, adopting a very offensive formation, but they could not break the deadlock. Defensively, they managed to stop Júbilo Iwata's persistent attacks until the end. Although the match content was not bad, the 90 minutes ended without a decisive moment that said, "This is it!"

In the end, the number of shots was 15 for Jubilo and 5 for Tokyo. The numbers clearly showed the difference, but Jubilo's ace, Namiwa, said in the post-match hero interview, "Tokyo is a well-trained, good team, and it was a tough match." He spoke about the impression of Tokyo, who have improved since last year. Kelly's outstanding technique, Robisu's hold-up play, and the strengthened midfield structure. If the energetic KING Amaral had joined them... Although it's pointless to speculate on "what ifs" here, it is certain that the gap has definitely narrowed compared to last year's encounter. Restart speed, quick transitions, approach to loose balls, passing speed, and awareness of the goal... in all these aspects, Jubilo was slightly ahead, but what is needed to close that gap? Following the loss against Kobe, suffering consecutive defeats is tough, but feeling a "definite sense of progress" even in a hard match is significant. The confidence to have fought back this far against the Asian champions... The mindset is already set on the next match. The next game is the first home game in three matches. The excitement of March 10 is still fresh in the minds of players, staff, and fans alike. The home ground, Tokyo Stadium, must be eagerly awaiting the return of its "masters." Tokyo is strong at home... Next time, we will definitely win!

Director Suzuki's Comments

I am satisfied that we won 1-0 despite the team's condition and combination being tough. We must win in any situation. Otherwise, we cannot achieve our goals for this season. In that sense, I believe today's victory will be a key point for this stage.

Director Okuma's Comments

I think we were doing well before conceding the goal. In terms of direction, I believe we performed well with the starting members. I wanted the players who came on as substitutes to function a bit better. I don't want to be discouraged by this and want to look forward to the next match.