Match Review
In the previous match, Albirex Niigata achieved a resounding victory in their away game, and this week, the blue and red players have returned home to Ajinomoto Stadium in search of their first victory of the season. Two changes have been made to the starting lineup since the Niigata match, with reliable center back Masato MORISHIGE returning to the starting lineup after 6 games. Diego OLIVEIRA, who scored his first goal of the season in the Niigata match, also started on the pitch for the first time in 8 games.
Fans and supporters filled the home Ajinomoto Stadium with blue and red, and the team pushed for victory from the beginning, bringing the joy of victory to their "home" and pressuring Kyoto Sanga F.C.'s goal with Tokyo colors.
1stHALF - Kashiwa Reysol leads with 2 goals from Kashiwa Ajinomoto's first goal and Diego's goal
It was a lightning-fast opening goal.
Diego TABA collected the loose ball in the midfield and simply dropped it to Teruhito NAKAGAWA. NAKAGAWA then spread the ball to right side to Soma ANZAI. ANZAI, who was on a high speed, chose a direct cross, but it didn't connect with Kota TAWARATSUMIDA who was running up. However, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who had been running at full speed from behind, took a shot with his left foot. The shot hit the opponent's defender, but still found its way into the goal net.
The voltage of the stadium quickly rises with the opening goal in the 4th minute, and Kyoto continues to threaten with consecutive attacks. However, as they struggle to score another goal, Kyoto regains their composure and takes back control of the pace.
However, in the 15th minute of the first half, Mori Shige player did not let the ball go into the goal by concentrating on defense in the penalty area, such as dealing with the situation of the pinch of Toyokawa player's cross with his head and shooting it towards the frame.
Then, in the 21st minute of the first half, an additional goal was born. Tsubakumita player pushed in from the left side, and supplied a cross ball while cutting into the center with a dribble. Diego TABA, who was unmarked, headed the ball into the goal.
Tokyo, who efficiently piled up goals, does not let up their attack. In the 32nd minute of the first half, Nakagawa couldn't finish a big chance, and in the scene where Morishige player scored a free kick in the 39th minute of the first half, it was cancelled due to offside.
Although we were unable to secure a decisive third goal in the first half, we put on a fantastic performance and headed into halftime.
2ndHALF—Despite switching to a defensive stance, they managed to limit the opponent to only 1 goal, securing their second consecutive victory of the season.
Substituting Kanta DOI, who had injured his leg towards the end of the first half, with Tetsuhei OKA making his J1 debut before the start of the second half. Despite being a last-minute replacement, the rookie took control as Tokyo continued to dominate the game in the second half.
However, we were not able to create many chances to score the third goal that would decide the game, and in the 16th minute of the second half, Kei Koizumi and Teruhito Nakagawa were substituted for Riki Harakawa and Jája Silva. The fresh players were brought in to seal the game.
In the 30th minute of the second half, Diego TABA showed his skillful ball control and turn to turn the situation around and launch a counter attack. However, the cross from substitute player Leon NOZAWA was cleared by a defender, and the follow-up shot from Takahiro KO was blocked by another defender.
In such a development, the next point is born in Kyoto. In the 34th minute of the second half, from the right corner kick, Sora HIRAGA headed in a precise kick from player Taiki HIRATO on the near side, narrowing the gap to one point.
A big chance comes to Tokyo right after that. Nogawa player broke through the space behind the opponent, but the shot was blocked by the opponent goalkeeper who closed the gap at the perfect timing. In additional time, Mori Shige player's hand was caught in the penalty area and a penalty kick was awarded. The stadium fell silent for a moment due to the big pinch given at the end of the game, but the decision was overturned thanks to VAR support. In the very end, they avoided the biggest pinch and achieved their second consecutive victory of the season.
After a perfect first half, the end of the second half was a hectic time, but in the end we were able to defend our own space with everyone and secure a 2-1 victory. We grabbed our first win at Ajinomoto Stadium and achieved our second consecutive win.
This marks the 5th win of the season and brings the total points to 18. The top teams are now clearly in sight.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Kosuke SHIRAI/Masato MORISHIGE/Kanta DOI (46': Tetsuhiro OKA)/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Takahiro KO/Kei KOIZUMI (61': Riki HARAKAWA)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (61': Jája Silva)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA (80': Yuto NAGATOMO)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (72': Leon NOZAWA)/Soma ANZAI
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Shuhei TOKUMOTO
GOAL
4 minutes into the first half: Kashif BANGNAGANDE / 21 minutes into the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA
＜Kyoto Sanga F.C.＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kuson Yun
DF Shinnosuke Fukuda (31st minute of the second half: Yuta Miyamoto)/Shogo Asada/Keita Matsuda (0th minute of the second half: Fuyu Suzuki)/Hisashi Appiah Tawiah
MF Shohei Takeda (0th minute of the second half: Taiki Hirato)/Temma Matsuda (14th minute of the second half: Sora Hiraga)/Daiki Kaneko/Kyo Sato
FW Taichi Hara/Yuta Toyokawa (14th minute of the second half: Kazunari Ichimi)
SUBS
GK Gakuji OTA
DF Yoshinori SUZUKI
GOAL
34' Second Half: Sora HIRAGA
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q: please review the game.
A: I think there were many aspects to today's match. Especially in the first half, we played powerful football, creating exciting plays and dangerous situations for the opponent, and it wouldn't have been surprising if we had scored several goals. On the other hand, in the second half, we strayed from our style of play and struggled. I believe we made it difficult for ourselves. Despite that, the players showed a wonderful mentality and fought desperately. I also think they fought until the very end to earn 3 points for the club and for the fans and supporters. I am very pleased with the efforts they made to secure those 3 points.
The players gave a performance worthy of victory. I am happy that the fans and supporters are pleased. Today's victory is because they supported the team strongly. Today, there were many positive points in our football and many good points for us to grow. In order to become a stronger team, I think there are areas where we can do better and improve, so I want to learn from that lesson. Today, the players are celebrating the victory, and they will work hard to recover and prepare for Monday's game.
Q, Masato MORISHIGE and Diego OLIVEIRA started the game as players were absent for various reasons.
A, I think their performance was excellent. I believe they contributed greatly to the performance needed to earn the 3 points, and they fought while firmly showing their leadership and character. Although several players are currently absent and the situation is difficult, all the members who can practice are approaching daily training with a mentality to grow. Mori Shige and Diego have clearly demonstrated the results of that, but I think this applies to all players.
Mori Shige player has been preparing to contribute to the team with hunger. He showed that in today's performance. There were some issues with his condition and there was a time when Diego Taba player couldn't practice, but it's great that he came back. I think today's performance is the result of their daily efforts.
To fight through the season, all players are necessary. This is a crucial moment where everyone's strength is needed. I believe both the football aspect and the mentality aspect have been growing, and this is an important part. Today, I think we were able to fight as a strong team, but there is still a lot of potential. We must continue to work hard and grow as a team in order to become the team we dream of. We want to continue humbly and improve while working hard.
[Player Interview]
Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Q: please review the first goal.
A, This season, as a team, we have been working on the opposite side back stepping in for crosses coming from the opposite side, and there have been several close chances so far. I’m glad we were able to score the first goal of the season in the way the team intended, showing the results of our daily efforts.
Q, I felt that the positioning of the side back was also organized as a team.
A, When breaking down the opponent, we work as a team in regular practice on various patterns, including where to position ourselves—not only on our own side but also when crosses come from the opposite side, as well as other patterns. Not only the positioning of the side backs but also the roles of the wings and other positions are well organized and understood, so I feel we can play boldly.
Q, On the other hand, I think there is also a demand for risk management in defense, how are you dealing with it?
A, Since we are pushing forward aggressively, a corresponding level of focus on defensive risk management is required. There were a few dangerous moments when we were caught behind, and both as a team and individually, we want to focus on and improve that aspect.
Q, The defense time became longer around the 15-minute mark of the second half, resulting in conceding a goal towards the end. What are the challenges?
A, the start of the second half was good, but we couldn't score an additional goal during a good period, and gradually we fell into the opponent's pace and were pushed back little by little. As a team, I felt there is an issue with how we manage the final stages of the match, so I want to correct this immediately ahead of the upcoming consecutive matches.
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q, please review the game.
A, it was a very tough match. The opponent applied pressure with great power, and I believe that our ability to fight tenaciously as a team until the very end led to our victory. The support from the fans and supporters was a great encouragement for us players. I was able to play in the early matches of the season, but my condition did not improve well, and I was able to return to the game starting from the previous match against Albirex Niigata. During that time, I want to express my gratitude to my teammates, the team staff who supported me so I could participate in matches, and the fans and supporters.
Q, please take a look back at the goal scene that led to the first victory at Ajinomoto Stadium this season.
A, we had a good start from the first half in today’s match. We created many chances, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE scored the opening goal early on, which helped us gain positive momentum. At the moment when our play in the opponent’s area increased, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA delivered a wonderful cross with his right foot. It was a well-timed header that I just had to connect with, and I want to thank TAWARATSUMIDA for the assist. We want to celebrate today’s first victory of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium together with all the players, fans, and supporters.
Q, we have entered an 8-game streak in May, including today's match. How will you approach it?
A, we all need to get through this schedule with matches coming in a short period. The schedule is tight with only two days off before the next match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. Matches away against Sapporo are always difficult and tough, so we want to prepare thoroughly for the game to seize victory together like we did in today’s match. The players have the quality to perform well no matter who plays. To be able to play our style of football, we will rest well today and aim to improve again starting tomorrow.
<Tetsuhiro OKA>
Q, I made my professional debut in the Levain Cup, but suddenly I got a chance to play in the J1 League, and at home in Ajinomoto Stadium.
A, I was ready to play at any time, and I think it was good to finish with a win at home like this, but we conceded a goal after I was brought on at 2-0. I feel there are many points I need to correct, such as creating an atmosphere where we absolutely do not allow goals, not being aware of my surroundings in individual play, and relying too much on others to help with defensive positioning.
Q, I didn't have the impression that you were in such a hurry.
A, I was conscious of creating an atmosphere and demeanor that would make it seem like I wasn’t flustered and to play with confidence.
Q, how was it to play in front of the home crowd at Ajinomoto Stadium, which is different from your debut match at NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Football Stadium away?
A, I have wanted to play here since my academy days, and one of my goals—to play in a match at Ajinomoto Stadium and definitely win—has been achieved, so I believe this is just the beginning. Standing on this pitch, I felt that I need to keep improving my level more and more.
Q: Please share your takeaways and challenges from today's game.
A, I think it was a positive that I was able to get into the flow of the game even as a substitute, and that we won. As for challenges, positioning is one, especially as a center back, I still need to work on not being drawn out wide and on raising and lowering the defensive line. In terms of build-up play, I tended to look only at nearby options and was unable to deliver long passes, which are one of my strengths.
Q, Are there any areas you want to change during the game for the next match?
A, my strength is being able to see the distant forward players and deliver a feed with either foot that can create a chance in a single play, so I want to first try to do that. Defensively, I want to create an atmosphere that doesn’t allow the opponent to play, and I want to stay alert to nip the opponent’s attacks in the bud around me and immediately turn that into the starting point of our own attack.
Q, please give a message to all the fans and supporters.
A: First of all, I want to say "I'm back." To show that I have returned having grown, I want to continue my daily efforts without fail from here on.
