Focus on the battle ahead and aim to break the losing streak

　In Sec. 33 of the league, we will face Gamba Osaka away. In the previous match, we ended without scoring on a pitch soaked by rain, suffering a consecutive defeat. The players reflect, saying, "Once we allow the first goal, the opponent will inevitably tighten their defense. We have not been able to overcome that while they take measures against us." The most important thing for Tokyo right now is to seize the first goal. This match is about switching our mindset both physically and mentally from the defeat in the last match and focusing on the upcoming battle to aim for goals and victory.

　G Osaka, currently in 16th place with 36 points, had a convincing victory against Shimizu in the last match. Although they have not escaped the relegation battle, since Sec. 19 on July 28, they have only lost 2 matches. Not only have they scored the highest in J1 with 64 goals, but they have also limited their scoreless games to just 2, demonstrating their true G Osaka spirit as they aim for a comeback. This match will see DF Iwashita suspended, but in his place, DF Nakazawa returns from a long-term injury, and there will be no change in their fighting style.

　Tokyo has changed its lineup from the previous match. Ota returns to the starting lineup in place of Nakamura, who injured his right knee. Additionally, Ishikawa, who has a right foot injury, will be on the bench, while Lucas and Hayato HASEGAWA will play as left and right midfielders, and Watanabe will take the top position. Against the opponent's powerful attack, the key will be to apply pressure from the front line and midfield, win the ball with solid defense, and transition quickly to attack. Considering that Tokyo has not scored in the last two matches, it will also be important to see how long they can maintain a clean sheet.

　G Osaka will likely fight tooth and nail for survival, just like Kobe, but if they get overwhelmed by that, it will become difficult to pull off a victory. Yonemoto said, "Regardless of the fact that the opponent is Gamba and a rival for survival, we want to see how far we can go ourselves," and he wants to show a bold attitude, keeping in mind the essence of Tokyo and being a challenger, to seize victory. The match started at 14:33 with Tokyo's kickoff at the full Expo '70 Commemorative Stadium.

Tokunaga scored the opening goal, but we equalized from a set piece and ended the first half.

　The match begins with G Osaka creating a chance from an attack starting on their side. In the 7th minute, G Osaka's central MF Kurata passes to the left side where FW Leandro is, who makes a through pass behind Tokyo's DF. FW Ienaga, who broke through, took a decisive shot from inside the left area, but Gonda made the save. However, gradually Tokyo also started to create opportunities by exploiting the gaps behind the opponent's high DF. In the 14th minute, Watanabe received Gonda's kick and dropped it, followed by Kajiwara who made a through pass behind the DF. Hayato Hasegawa's shot shook the net, but it was offside.

　The match developed into a contest for dominance. In the 17th minute, Lucas, positioned centrally in the opponent's half, took a direct middle shot from a trap, but it veered to the left. Then, in the 21st minute, the ball was circulated from the defensive line, with Takahashi passing to Watanabe, who dropped the ball for Ota to deliver a left cross. Inside the area, Lucas acted as a decoy, and the ball went to the far side. Tokunaga, who made a run from the outside, perfectly connected with it and struck the goal net with his right foot, securing the long-awaited opening goal.

　The Tokyo offensive continued. In the 33rd minute, Lucas intercepted the ball in the opponent's half. He connected with Watanabe at the front line, cut back past the opposing defender, and took a shot. However, it was blocked, and as the ball spilled into the area, Hasegawa charged in. He found himself one-on-one with the GK and created a decisive chance, but was thwarted by the opposing GK's save. Unable to capitalize on the opportunity and still without an additional goal, in the 37th minute, MF Endo's sharp free kick was met by FW Ienaga, who dove in with a powerful header to score, resulting in a conceded goal. The first half ended in a tie.

In the second half, we maintained control and continued to attack, but we couldn't secure the win and ended in a draw.

　Tokyo seized a big chance at the start of the second half. In the 47th minute, Watanabe rushed towards a loose ball on the left front line of Tokyo. The opposing GK also came out, but Watanabe won the race with speed and headed towards the goal with no GK present. However, there was no angle, and the shot taken from the left area hit the crossbar. Lucas, who was in the center, followed up on the rebound and took a decisive shot, but it went wide to the left. In the 54th minute, Watanabe in the center passed to Hayato HASEGAWA at the left corner of the area with a heel flick. After breaking through the opposing DF, Ota utilized his speed to charge in and took a shot, but it was blocked by a GK save.

　In the second half, Tokyo took control of the game, constantly advancing in G Osaka's territory. However, in the 62nd minute, G Osaka's substitute MF Wataru SASAKI sent a shot-like ball forward from the right side. This reached FW Leandro, and although Morishige tried to secure the ball, it became loose, allowing FW Ienaga to capitalize on a moment of weakness and score the go-ahead goal. Tokyo made a substitution in the 69th minute, bringing in Ishikawa for Kajiyama, with Lucas moving to the attacking midfield position.

　In the 73rd minute, Yonemoto in the center quickly advanced to the right with Ishikawa, and Hasegawa in the center dropped it to the left, creating a decisive opportunity for Lucas in the area, but his shot went over. In the 76th minute, from Lucas's big switch to the side, Ishikawa cut inside and took a sharp middle shot with his left foot, but it was saved well by the goalkeeper, resulting in a corner kick. In the 80th minute, Nemanja VUCICEVIC was brought on, and the attack began to gain momentum.

　In the 84th minute, Ota cut in from the left side and advanced close to the goal. VUCICEVIC connected with a negative pass and shot. This hit the crossbar, but Watanabe followed up and headed it in to equalize. They continued to attack in search of a comeback, and in stoppage time, Takahashi's switch found Ishikawa in the left area, who headed it down to Lucas in the center, but his precise shot did not hit the target. Conversely, G Osaka created a chance from a sharp counterattack but could not finish. The result ended in a shared point.

　[Player Comments] {Watanabe} "Even when we were turned around, we believed in our own strength. It was good that we were able to score the equalizer, but it's disappointing that it didn't lead to a win. Personally, I was hungry for goals and wanted to contribute to the team with my strength in my first start in a while. The scoring scene came right in front of me, so I pushed it in with my feelings. However, I also missed a big chance at the start of the second half. There wasn't much of an angle, but I aimed well at the goal... (laughs). Also, in the first half (after 30 minutes), I really wanted Aria to score (laughs). In the end, that's the kind of thing. I think that's a factor in not being able to win. We did concede 2 goals in defense, but as a team, we were focused and it wasn't bad. Today, everyone had a strong desire to 'win' and fought to express that in our play."

　Tokunaga: "Although it wasn't the full 90 minutes, I think we were able to play our style of football. There were good parts, but conceding two goals is an issue. We have been conceding goals lately, so that needs further correction. As for the goals, Kosuke delivered a good cross, and Rucon was there to create space. I was able to finish calmly. Regarding Gamba, since we are also in the relegation battle, I understand, but I felt they were a bit stiff and seemed to play it safe. In contrast, we were able to create chances to shoot. If we could have scored there, I believe it would have been a match we could have won. There are points for reflection, but I want to take today's match positively. In the final match, we can play at home, so I want to have a good game and win, and fight in a way that connects to next season."

　[Summary of Coach Ranko POPOVIC's Press Conference] "Hello. It was cold, so I'm worried that everyone might be feeling chilly (laughs), but I think it was an exciting and interesting match to the point where you didn't have time to feel cold. Both teams showcased their strengths and created many offensive and dangerous chances. We were able to move the ball well and create opportunities, and I believe it is commendable that everyone was unified in executing quick counterattacks when the opponent had the ball. Unfortunately, we couldn't capitalize on the chances we had."

　I think there were some chances where it was more difficult to miss. Missing those is also part of football, and such things can happen. Today, the opponent was also wonderful, but I feel that we were closer to earning the three points. I believe we were able to show a high-quality and interesting match today, and when we compete on the J1 stage next season, I want to show more interesting, attractive, and attacking football with Tokyo and Gamba than today. It's unfortunate that we conceded a goal, but I want to congratulate forward Enaka.

　[G Osaka Coach Matsunami's Press Conference Summary] "The feeling that we must win is shared by everyone, including the players. We struggled to find our rhythm against the opponent's compact defense. We also conceded a goal due to our own mistakes. Gradually, we found our attacking rhythm, equalized, and our rhythm improved little by little, activating our offense. I believe that not being able to secure the third goal is why we couldn't win today."

　(Lucas entered as right MF today on the left side of DF Fujiharu and MF Kurata, who are strong points. Did you expect this?) Looking at the starting members, since Lucas came in on the right, I communicated that he can also defend, so that area is taken care of. However, I think the relationship between DF Fujiharu and MF Kurata was not good from the start. If DF Fujiharu could have been more aggressive, I believe there would have been times when the opponent was pressured defensively. He struggled to move forward. In that regard, Lucas's tactics and experience were superior. He may have his own feelings about it, and he needs the ability to overcome that and find a breakthrough. Lucas is a smart player, so I hope he can grow by feeling the tactics, how to receive the ball, and the timing when the ball comes in.