TOKYOism

Match Review

The battle for the J League Cup. Tokyo faced Omiya Ardija at the away NACK5 Stadium Omiya in the 2nd Round of the 1st Round. This match, held in a knockout format, will be decided after 90 minutes of regular time, plus extra time and a penalty shootout. Additionally, it is important to note that VAR is not implemented in the 1st Round.

After four days since the match against Kashiwa Reysol in the 10th round of the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League last Friday, Tokyo made significant changes to the starting lineup. Go HATANO, who has not played since the first match against Nara Club, was appointed as the goalkeeper. The final line consists of three players from the right: Kyosei KIMOTO, Seiji KIMURA, and Henrique TREVISAN. The defensive midfielders are Keigo HIGASHI and Kei KOIZUMI, while the wingers are Yuto NAGATOMO on the right and Soma ANZAI on the left. Additionally, Maki KITAHARA made his first appearance in the starting lineup for an official match as an inside half, entrusted with the central role in the attack alongside Ewerton GAUDINO.

The team has adopted a 3-4-2-1 system with Marcelo RYAN expected to score his first goal in blue and red as the lone striker. The team is currently in a tough situation, winless in their last 7 league matches, but they want to turn the tide by advancing firmly to the 3rd Round. The match kicked off at 19:03 in a stadium that felt slightly chilly.

1st HALF—Taking control but failing to score

Tokyo held possession from the start. They pressed into the opponent's territory while looking for chances. The first shot was taken by RIAN. From the left side of the penalty area, he swung his right foot and actively aimed for the goal.

The match progresses with Tokyo attacking while connecting passes and Omiya aiming for counterattacks. In the 11th minute of the first half, Henrique made a run down the left side to the goal line and provided a shot-like ball, earning a corner kick. He showed bold movements to bring depth to the team's overall attack. Furthermore, starting from the 15th minute of the first half, chances were created from corner kicks on both sides. In the 17th minute, Ewerton threatened the opponent's goal with a powerful left-footed shot from distance.

Tokyo has been dominating the match from the beginning, earning many set pieces. They have also responded well to the opponent's counterattacks and managed to win the ball with aggressive pressing from the front line. In the 22nd minute of the first half, they showed coordinated defense on the right side, cutting the ball at a high position. Kitahara received the ball in the center and aimed for a powerful long-range shot with his left foot, but the ball just missed to the right of the goal. With a frustrated expression, the player wearing number 53 looked up to the sky, while the blue and red teammates behind the goal chanted "Maki."

From the 30th minute of the first half, Omiya created chances with a powerful attack that involved multiple players, but the blue-red defense responded with focused defending, not allowing the net to be shaken.

Tokyo quickly regained control of the game by connecting passes and taking possession. In the 34th minute of the first half, RIAN provided a sharp cross into the penalty area, and Nagatomo made a run from the far side towards the goal. Then, in the 36th minute, Kitahara stole the ball with a press from the front line and attempted a dribble, taking a left-footed shot from a quick step. In the 41st minute, Ewerton cut in from the left after receiving a pass from RIAN and Nagatomo near the penalty area, unleashing a powerful left-footed shot from mid-range. This just went over the goal, but they created several close chances. Just before the end of the first half, Ewerton's right corner kick was met by RIAN with a header at the near side, but it went wide to the right of the goal and did not result in a score.

In the 3 minutes of added time, it seemed that a first goal was conceded from a set piece, but the assistant referee raised the offside flag, avoiding disaster, and the match reached halftime with a score of 0-0.

2nd HALF—The long-awaited first blue-red goal by RIAN, but the equalizer leads to extra time

Tokyo wants to finish off chances early. The second half starts with a simple attack using RIAN's movement, and in the 2nd minute of the second half, Nagatomo delivers a sharp cross from intricate passing in the vital area. This was punched away by the opposing goalkeeper, but Tokyo continues to hold the initiative in the second half.

In the 11th minute of the second half, while searching for a breakthrough on the right side by connecting passes multiple times, Higashi's idea and technique changed the course of the match. The player wearing number 10 delivered a skillful lob pass from the right side just in front of the goal, where Koizumi made a chest trap and Nagatomo returned it with his right foot, allowing RIAN, who was waiting at the far side, to score the long-awaited first goal for the blue-red team. This creative pass from Higashi changed the situation in an instant, showcasing a brilliant combination, and they finally succeeded in taking the lead.

Omiya made four consecutive substitutions, prompting Tokyo's coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI to take action as well. Kosuke SHIRAI was brought in on the right side to replace Nagatomo, Kento HASHIMOTO came in for Higashi, and Henrique was substituted for Ewerton, while Sato Eiyun was introduced as the right inside half. The message was clear: to send in three players who can showcase outstanding hard work and engage in an aggressive battle on both offense and defense. Furthermore, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Teppei OKA was deployed as the left stopper in place of Kimura. Henrique was moved to the center of the back line to invigorate the defense.

However, in the 37th minute of the second half, we allowed a cross from the opponent's counterattack after they changed to a four-back system, and we conceded a goal to Sugimoto, who came on as a substitute, in the center. The match was brought back to square one.

In the 43rd minute of the second half, from a keep by player Hian, player Koizumi connected, and player Kitahara, who made a run, aimed for a shot, but it went straight to the opposing goalkeeper.

In the 5 minutes of added time displayed in the second half, Takahiro KO came in for Koizumi. He took up the position of a defensive midfielder.

Tokyo, aiming to take the lead, saw player Sato brought down near the penalty area, but the referee ruled no foul. Furthermore, player Anzai's right corner kick was headed by Henrique, but the goal went over the bar. The whistle for the end of the first half blew, and the match proceeded to extra time.

Supporting the players heading into extra time is the loud “Tokyo” chant echoing from behind the goal. Player Anzai further rouses the passionately singing fans and supporters with both hands, encouraging unity in the battle. Player Takahiro, who received the captain’s armband from Koizumi, energizes the team in the huddle with a loud voice, inspiring the squad. United in blue and red, they strive together to secure the ticket to the 3rd Round.

And in the 8th minute of extra time, the player wearing number 19 shines for the second time today. After winning the ball in midfield, Takahashi carried it forward and made a long through pass into the space ahead. Here, Lucas RIAN broke free, evaded one defender with a vertical move, and slotted the ball into the goal, successfully taking the lead. He scored the second goal in his signature style, which he had been prolific at during his time with Sagan Tosu, allowing Tokyo to step forward.

It was just after the display of an additional minute of stoppage time. Player Hashimoto connected the ball with precision on the left side of his own half and fed it forward. Player Julian broke free and, with a high-speed dribble, surged ahead, scoring a sharp right-footed shot into the right side netting from a left diagonal 45-degree angle, achieving a hat trick. With overwhelming finishing ability, he pulled away from Omiya, taking a two-goal lead as they headed into the second half of extra time.

In the 8th minute of extra time, Kanta DOI was brought on as a right winger in place of Kitahara, who had been fighting hard in his first start. Shirai was moved to the left side to strengthen the defense on the right side as they aimed to close out the match. They fought through the 2 minutes of added time in the second half of extra time and reached the final whistle. Shonan Bellmare secured a ticket to the 3rd Round.

The thoughts of each individual striving for victory overflowed in the stadium.

Substitute player Shirai contributed to both offense and defense with overwhelming running ability, while Hashimoto controlled the game with precise judgment. Starting players Kitahara and Anzai continued to run without losing their stamina even in extra time. And the ace, who had been holding back, finally proved his strength with results. Everyone showed a determination not to lose in battles for the ball, continuing to run and displaying focused play until the end. The players on the bench stood up and kept encouraging from the pitch, while the packed fans and supporters behind the away goal fought together, inspiring the team with loud cheers.

Continuing to run, continuing to fight, and continuing to cheer together as one in blue and red, we achieved victory. What we gained away at Omiya is not small. The 120 minutes of battle we showed on this day will surely lead to future success.

The players who triumphed in the fierce battle were greeted with the chant "Take the Cup" and showed smiles.

MATCH DETAILS

<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Yasuki KIMOTO/Yuto NAGATOMO (23rd minute of the second half: Kosuke SHIRAI)/Enrique TREVIZAN/Seiji KIMURA (32nd minute of the second half: Teppei OKA)
MF Soma ANZAI/Keigo AZUMA (23rd minute of the second half: Kento HASHIMOTO)/Kei KOIZUMI (45+2 minutes of the second half: Yu TAKAO)/Maki KITAHARA (8th minute of extra time: Kanta DOI)
FW Marcelo RYAN/Ewerton GAUDINO (23rd minute of the second half: Megumu SATO)

SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA/Teruhito NAKAGAWA

MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI

GOAL
11th minute of the second half: Marcelo RYAN/8th minute of extra time: Marcelo RYAN/15+1 minute of extra time: Marcelo RYAN

<RB Omiya Ardija>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Yuki KATO
DF Niki URAKAMI/Takashi NAKAYAMA (7 minutes into extra time: Rikiya MOTEGI)/Shosaku YASUMITSU
MF Kaishin SEKIGUCHI/Teppei YACHIDA/Makoto ABE (18 minutes into the second half: Gabriel)/Takuya WADA (32 minutes into the second half: Masato KOJIMA)
FW CAPRINI (20 minutes into the second half: Kazushi FUJII)/Takamitsu TOYAMA (20 minutes into the second half: Oliora SUNDAY)/Katsuya NAKANO (18 minutes into the second half: Kenyu SUGIMOTO)

SUBS
GK Kou SHIMURA
DF Wakaba SHIMOGUCHI/Shunya SAKAI

MANAGER
Tetsu NAGASAWA

GOAL
37th minute of the second half: Kenyu SUGIMOTO

[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]

Q: please review the game.
A: It may have been a tough battle, but I am very happy that we were able to secure the victory. I am also very pleased that we could deliver a long-awaited win to the fans and supporters who came to the venue.

Regarding the game, we had several chances from the early stages of the first half but couldn't finish them. In the second half, we were able to connect well and score, but afterwards, although we were not lax, we conceded a regrettable goal. Since the opponent was also fighting desperately, there are always moments when they create chances, so I wish we had been able to firmly suppress those. However, the players fought with all their might for 120 minutes to seize victory themselves. I think it was very good that this effort led to the win.

Q: Please tell us the reason for using Maki KITAHARA in the starting lineup.
A: Although he has sometimes been included in the squad, sometimes not, and sometimes brought on as a substitute, we do not have a fixed plan; we always consider the timing of when to use him. This time, there was also an expectation to have him start from the beginning and see how much he could do within 90 minutes. He has been able to show good performance in training as well, and I felt this was the game to use him, so I started him in the lineup this time.

I think there were good aspects, but I believe he is still a player who can do much more. So, I also feel that he might need a little more time. Whether today was a good experience or a bitter one depends on him, but I hope he can make use of it in the next game.

Q: It was a heartfelt match that changed the flow of the team in the midst of a difficult situation. Please evaluate this match again.
A, while facing a very tough battle in the league, today’s match came after a game where the 3 points slipped right from in front of us, making it truly a difficult situation. I believe that being able to firmly bounce back from that is nothing other than a reflection of their strong determination. Not only them, but all of us involved with the team, including the staff, continuously demanded from ourselves how hungry we could be for that. I think that is what allowed us to pull the result of victory closer.

How we make use of this in the next game is an important point. Even now in the locker room, I told them not to say they are already tired. I mentioned that the next game is coming up soon. We decided to focus on good recovery from here. In that sense, we also talked about going home early.

[Player Interview]
＜Marcelo RYAN＞

Q, it became a battle of 120 minutes.
A, I was very tired. But I am very happy.

Q, after your first goal, consecutive goals followed.
A, I have been training hard so that I can score goals and so that the team can win. I am truly happy to have been able to score and for the team to have won, and I want to continue building on this from here.

Q: please review each goal.
A, the first goal came from a good breakdown, and I just had to push it in. For the second goal, I received a through pass from Takahiro KO, and since I was calm, I was able to get past the goalkeeper and score. The third goal was a good ball from Kento HASHIMOTO, and I think it was a goal where I just had to finish it off.

Q: There had been matches since the season opener where passes rarely reached Hian, but I felt that as a team, we have started to understand how to make the most of Hian.
A, until now, even when I made a move, the pass rarely came, or my timing was off because I started moving too late. However, today I was able to score in a good situation, so I want to adjust more and increase the number of good opportunities like today.

Q: Next, goals are expected in the league matches.
A: Yes. We have another important league match on Sunday, so I want to score goals there and help the team win.

<Yuto NAGATOMO>

Q: please review the game.
A: There were many good situations with our pressing defense, and we were able to get shots on goal, so I think there were many positive aspects in terms of how we defended. By pressing forward, there were also times when we were caught on the counterattack and allowed shots, but I believe we can correct that from here. While pressing forward does carry such risks, as a team we need to thoroughly address them and properly manage the risks by stopping attacks where necessary.

There were times in the latter part of the second half when we were pinned back, but even then, we must not become passive just because we are under pressure. We need to be able to play aggressive defense by pushing forward; otherwise, we won't be able to create chances, and the team will become increasingly exhausted. I believe this is something we must correct.

Q: How was the offensive aspect?
A: We had more chances than in recent matches, and of course, scoring a goal was a big gain. I think today we were able to show fluidity in our attack, with not only the forwards but also the players at the back all getting involved. We want to continue sharing and working with that image moving forward.

Q: Player Nagatomo also played a role in receiving the ball inside and switching on the attack.
A: The reason I was able to get into that position was because the attack was not left to individual effort. It was precisely because the defensive midfielder's support and one of the center-backs firmly created a numerical advantage that the options for movement and passing increased.

The first goal today came from Keigo HIGASHI, with another defensive midfielder, Kei KOIZUMI, moving up that far, and it was the third player's movement that broke down the defense. Until now, the defensive midfielders would pass the ball around their own positions, and the forwards had to individually break free and manage somehow. The combination involving the defensive midfielders and center-backs created a numerical advantage and caused the opponent to be out of position. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI expects that kind of attack from us, and if we can improve the precision in those areas, we can score even more goals. I think we saw signs of that today.

Q: How will you carry this victory into the league matches?
A: Since we have been struggling in the league matches, we will use this victory to boost our confidence. We have the match against Cerezo Osaka coming up soon, so we will do our best to deliver a win to our fans and supporters.

<Maki KITAHARA>

Q: How did you feel about your first starting lineup and how did you spend last night?
A: As a team, in the difficult situation of not having won an official match, I was happy to be given the opportunity to start, and at the same time, my determination to “give it my all” grew stronger. I wanted to repay Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, who decided to use me in the starting lineup, as well as all the staff, with my performance. Considering that, although the team was able to secure a victory, I feel the frustration of not being able to deliver results personally.

Q: Before the match, what kind of encouragement did you receive from your seniors and Coach Matsuhashi?
A: I received many encouraging words such as "Don’t be nervous, just play as usual," and "It’s okay to make mistakes, so play boldly," as well as kind support aimed at making it easier for me to play.

Q: You stood out in scenes where you actively aimed for goals from the inside half position.
A: The team has been going through a tough period without a win in official matches, and I was given the chance to start. I felt that if I missed this opportunity, I wouldn’t know when the next one would come. For me, today was a big chance. I am frustrated that I couldn’t show the results or numbers to prove that I seized this opportunity. If I am given the next chance, I want to contribute to the team with results and numbers next time.