Final home match, utilize individual strengths to seize victory!

　The league Sec. 33 is held, marking the final home match. In the previous match against Kobe, we managed to draw, but we could not earn 3 points. Due to the results of other matches held the day before (Sec. 33 Day 1), the championship is now out of reach, but we are barely holding on in the upper ranks. If we win this match, we will be tied on points with 4th place Oita, so the critical battle where we absolutely cannot lose continues.

　In this match, Kajiyama and Tokunaga are suspended due to accumulated warnings. At the same time, considering the reflections from the match against Kobe, Coach Jofuku aims to achieve two things: "Regardless of who plays, the style of football we want to implement will not change, but we want to bring out individual characteristics and create something new. We want to balance these two aspects. We want to utilize each player more effectively and introduce variations in movement." Therefore, Nagatomo will play as the right side back, while Kanazawa will start as the left side back for the first time since Sec. 22 against Tokyo V. Additionally, Emerson will also start for the first time since Sec. 29 against Oita. The formation will be a 4-4-2 with Konno and Hanyu as the holding midfielders, and Cabore and Hirayama as the two forwards.

　Niigata is currently in 14th place. Although they have avoided automatic relegation to J2, their survival is not yet guaranteed, and they will likely come at us with everything they've got to accumulate points. They must also have a strong desire to achieve revenge in the Emperor's Cup. DF Nagata and MF Alessandro will be suspended, but this match will see DF Uehara deployed as a center-back. On the flanks, they have lined up with MF Matsushita and Marcio Richardes. In their previous encounter in the Emperor's Cup, they struggled against attacks targeting the defense from MF Marcio Richardes, FW Tanaka, and MF Kawahara. To avoid repeating the same mistakes, it is crucial to maintain balance and prevent Niigata from finding their rhythm. In attack, it will depend on how well we can create our own time. However, even if we lose control of the pace, it is important to remain calm and not rush.

　Although a cold wind blew, Ajinomoto was blessed with clear skies. The last home game of the season attracted 35,172 spectators and started at 16:04 with Niigata's kickoff.

Struggling against Niigata's intensity, unable to create chances...

　In the beginning, both teams struggled to settle the ball, and a back-and-forth battle continued. In the 10th minute, Ishikawa stole the ball on the right side of his own half, dribbled up the field, and passed to Cabore on the right side just outside the area. Cabore cut inside past the opposing DF and took the first shot of the day, but it went straight to the GK. Niigata also launched attacks targeting the Tokyo DF's back, similar to the Emperor's Cup, but they made mistakes and couldn't find their rhythm, resulting in a back-and-forth development. However, in the 24th minute, a cross from Niigata MF Matsushita was slid in by FW Yano just inside the bottom corner of the far post, leading to a close-range shot. This was saved by Shiota, who made a brave effort and deflected it for a corner kick.

　In the 27th minute, Ishikawa passed to Hirayama, who followed up in midfield and aimed for a long shot. It was on target, but the GK made a save, resulting in a right corner kick, which they could not capitalize on. In the 33rd minute, a free kick was awarded to Niigata in midfield, and MF Matsushita's kick was headed by DF Chiyohanda, redirecting it in front of the goal, where DF Matsuo connected with a shot. The timing was right, causing a scare, but it went wide. In the 39th minute, Cabore cut back outside the opposing DF on the left side and sent a fast cross in front of the goal. Hirayama was waiting at the far post, but the Niigata GK punched it away with one hand. Emerson and Konno rushed in for the rebound, but the DF managed to defend it.

　In the 41st minute, Niigata created a big chance. MF Chiba passed to right back Uchida, who made a floating ball pass behind Tokyo's defense. MF Matsushita slid in and stretched his foot. Shiota also rushed out, but the ball headed towards the goal in a tangle... It almost went in, but hit the crossbar and bounced back, allowing Shiota to catch it. Tokyo struggled against Niigata's passionate play, but they remained calm and tried to create their own rhythm from focused defense. However, they lacked precision and power in their attacks, failing to create any clear chances. The match went into halftime scoreless.

Akamine scores a crucial goal from a set piece! Closing the final home game with a victory

　In the second half, Ohtake was brought in to replace Emerson. They connected passes well, controlled the ball, and launched an attack. Right after the start of the second half, Cabore broke through, and Hanyu, who was in front of the goal, prepared to shoot, but the opposing defender blocked it. In the 47th minute, Hirayama dribbled in from the center. From a loose ball, Cabore in the left area aimed for the goal, but with no angle, the goalkeeper caught it. In the 60th minute, Hirayama received a cross from Hanyu and sent a final pass in front of the goal, creating a decisive chance for Cabore, but the shot went wide... They couldn't capitalize on their chances against Niigata's tough defense.

　As time passed, both teams fiercely battled for a goal. Tokyo substituted Suzuki for Ishikawa in the 64th minute and Akamine for Hirayama in the 75th minute, aiming for a goal through player changes. Niigata also sent long balls forward, threatening the Tokyo goal. In the 77th minute, due to a passing mistake in the Tokyo defense line, Niigata FW Yano rushed towards the goal and received a pass from FW Tanaka, who had followed up into the area, entering a shooting position, but Shiota quickly came out to make the save. They remained focused and did not allow any goals conceded.

　In the 82nd minute, Hanyu passed a through ball to Akamine at the front line, and Ohtake, who ran in from behind, took a shot at the ball that Akamine had reliably dropped. The ball flew into the goal area but was saved by the opposing GK just barely in the upper left corner, resulting in a corner kick. In the following 83rd minute, Ohtake's left corner kick perfectly reached Akamine in the center, who headed it in with precision, scoring a goal! Taking advantage of the set-piece opportunity, they finally took the lead.

　Niigata pushed towards the Tokyo goal until the end, but their counterattacks were shut out. Akamine's valuable goal, which met expectations, became the winning goal as time expired. They celebrated their final home match with a victory, rising to 5th place. While relying on others, they still have hopes of finishing in the top 3 to secure a spot in the ACL, heading into the final match.

　【Player Comments】《Akamine》"In the scoring scene, the corner kick came in and I was able to head it well. I'm glad it went in. When I played, the score was 0-0, so I stepped onto the pitch with the mindset to shoot. I'm happy that so many people came to watch and that we won the final home game. As my playing time increases, naturally the chances increase as well. I feel like I have been able to capitalize on that this year. (We haven't lost any matches in which I scored this season) On the other hand, when the team lost, I didn't score. I want to work hard to be able to score even in those situations. For the final match, I want to focus only on winning and work together with everyone to do our best." 《Shiota》"It was a very tough game from the start, but we managed to hold on. The last time we played Niigata in the Emperor's Cup, it was a similar situation, and since Niigata is still fighting to avoid relegation, we expected them to come forward. Recently, we've conceded many goals and have often been helped by the attackers. From before the match started, I was determined to see it through no matter what the situation was, so I wasn't frustrated by not being able to create chances. Given that a draw is no longer acceptable, I think it was good that we fought with the mindset to battle through to the very end. (Looking back on this season) By continuing to play in matches, I have gained a lot of valuable experience personally. Being able to compete near the top this season is also a great experience. I believe this will be a plus for my future football career."

　[Summary of Coach Shirofuku's Press Conference] "We knew the opponent's pressure would be intense in the first half. The question was how to play a decisive style of football under those conditions, and I think the balance between our defensive line and midfield build-up was not very good. We were somewhat mentally overwhelmed by Niigata's pressure, and I think we could have connected the play a bit more. However, although we committed some fouls leading to dangerous free-kick situations, we were somewhat lucky to keep a clean sheet, which was very good. From around the 25th minute, Niigata's midfield started to loosen up a bit, so we aimed to build up properly then... but we only managed to do that in the second half. That is a point for reflection. In the second half, Hanyu distributed the ball well, and we were able to carry the ball into the attacking third under our own intent to some extent. However, beyond that, we struggled to create speed-up situations like overlaps or one-twos. We tried to bring changes by substituting players. We scored from a corner kick at the end, and including the attacks leading up to that corner, that period was not bad. But Niigata played with very strong spirit. Including the defense that kept a clean sheet, I think it was a victory for everyone. (You controlled the flow of the game, but Niigata had the chances. There were various weaknesses visible?) We want to play compactly, but conversely, that carries the risk of being exposed behind. We are still learning that. Playing compactly suppresses the opponent's feet, but when they break behind, the decision to follow or drop the line must be instantaneous. We still need to brush up on that. Another point is how to handle the opponent's holding midfielder when our block is set up; even within the block, we were somewhat lax in closing down the ball. The balance between forming the block and going to the ball, and between compactness and line care, must be improved. That is a point for reflection. When the opponent is not applying high pressure, we can dominate, but when they do, even if we cannot play our style, we want to prevent them from creating chances. That is a major challenge for this developing team. (Looking ahead to the final match) Although it depends on others, first and foremost, winning 3 points ourselves is an absolute condition for ACL qualification. Chiba's situation is certainly tough, and I think they will come with tremendous motivation, but more than that, our mindset is to secure 3 points ourselves to grasp our goal. No matter who the opponent is or the situation, that will not change. That is what we want to value most."

　[Summary of Coach Suzuki's Press Conference] "The players fought well for 90 minutes. However, we struggled to keep up with FC Tokyo's fast attacks from the middle of the game. Throughout the game, we were dominated in ball possession, and while we tried to find opportunities through set plays and quick attacks, we created several decisive chances but couldn't convert them. With one match remaining, we will focus on training to secure 3 points and aim for a good game."