<Match Review>
A match aiming for the first 3 consecutive league wins of the season. In the last two games, the entire team worked in unison based on intense and passionate play around the ball, skillfully combining the strengths of each player to achieve consecutive wins with a fusion of individual and team soccer. This week, they face an away game against Kashiwa Reysol, who maintain good form with intense possession soccer and are tied for first place in points. They want to defeat this tough opponent and enter the break period with momentum.
Standing in goal for such an important game is Kim Seung-gyu, who transferred to Tokyo in June. For him, it is also a match against his former club, where he played for two and a half seasons since the 2020 season, and he will make his Blue-Red debut at the familiar former home stadium.
The back line was formed as a four-back by players Naruki Muroya, Masato Morishige, Alexander Scholz, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE. Takahiro KO and Kento HASHIMOTO teamed up as defensive midfielders, with Leon NOZAWA on the right side of midfield and Keita ENDO on the left. Up front, the combination of Motoki NAGAKURA and Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who have shown great coordination in build-up play and making runs behind the defense, was deployed. Additionally, Masataka KOBAYASHI was included on the bench for the first time since turning professional. With attacking players such as Megumu Sato, Marcelo Hian, and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA also on the bench, the timing of substitutions and judgment in critical moments are expected to be key factors influencing the match outcome.
Also, in this match, from Tokyo, players Tawara Tsukida and Yuto NAGATOMO, and from Kashiwa, players Koga, Kubo, Kakita, and Hosoya were selected for the Japan national team competing in the East Asian E-1 Football Championship 2025, making this game one to watch closely.
1st HALF—A high-intensity first half, managing the game steadily into the second half
At the start, Kashiwa controlled the ball and pressed forward, but Tokyo showed an awareness of connecting through build-up from the back line to draw the momentum, and created chances starting from a kick by Min Gyu JANG, who dropped back to the last line.
In the 7th minute of the first half, Nagakura controlled a long ball in the center and advanced it to the right, then Nozawa received it and took a right-footed shot after breaking through vertically. One minute later, Nozawa on the right side passed the ball to Nakagawa in the center, who took a shot, as Tokyo aggressively attacked inside Kashiwa's territory.
A development where both teams hold onto the ball. Tokyo shows an attack that combines sharp attacks and possession while directing arrows toward the opponent's goal. Against Kashiwa's possession soccer, they do not retreat too much, applying precise pressing and a mid-block, as well as pressing back from the front line to deny freedom.
Kashiwa also approached Tokyo's goal using large side changes, but the red and blue defense concentrated and solidly protected the area in front of the goal to endure. By firmly closing the center, they did not allow the opponent to 'hold' the ball but made them play in the outer areas, progressing the match in that shape.
Tokyo sets up in their own half, aiming for a momentary gap. In the 34th minute of the first half, after pressing back by player Nakagawa, they launched a swift counterattack. Nakagawa, receiving the ball facing forward again, made a through pass ahead. Nagakura rushed into the penalty area and collided with the opposing goalkeeper, but no foul was called. Then, from the loose ball picked up by player Endo, Nagakura once again aimed to finish, but was blocked by the goalkeeper at the last moment and could not score.
In terms of ball possession, Tokyo conceded to Kashiwa, but responded with soccer that combined quick attacks and passing play. Both teams fought fiercely for the ball, but neither could score a goal, and the match went into halftime scoreless.
2nd HALF—Conceded a goal due to a momentary lapse. Despite intensifying the attack, could not achieve a third consecutive win
The fierce battle continues into the second half. While Kashiwa tries to increase their possession rate, Tokyo also launches attacks with a mix of short and long passes, carefully handling the ball they have won.
In the 5th minute of the second half, Nakagawa intercepted the ball in midfield and persistently dribbled forward, taking a shot with his right foot from near the penalty arc, but was unable to shake the net. However, with an aggressive attitude, they took control and pressed into the Kashiwa territory.
The first substitution came at the 14th minute of the second half. Replacing both Nakagawa and Nozawa, Hian was brought in as one of the two forwards, and Sato was introduced as the right attacker to boost the offensive power. Then, immediately at the 16th minute, Hian headed a right corner kick from Yoshifu at the far side. Although it was blocked by the opponent, it instantly created a good chance.
Tokyo spent a long time in the opponent's territory, increasing their set-piece opportunities. In the 24th minute of the second half, player Yoshifu's right corner kick was deflected by the opposing goalkeeper, and player Endo struck a direct volley from the rebound. The ball was struck firmly, but it just went over the bar.
The second substitution is the left attacker. At the 26th minute of the second half, the attack pressure is intensified by switching from player Endo to player Tawara Tsukida.
However, it was in the 28th minute of the second half, immediately after. The right side was broken through and a cross was delivered, which was headed in by Kubo in the center, resulting in a goal conceded. Once again, a goal was allowed due to issues with dealing with crosses, which had been a challenge. It was a frustrating goal conceded while on the attack. From here, the true value would be tested in how they would turn things around.
In the 37th minute of the second half, Tokyo made their final substitution. Replacing Muroya with Nagatomo at right back, and replacing Taka with Kei KOIZUMI in defensive midfield. They entrusted the outcome of the match to these two experienced players.
In the 39th minute of the second half, Nagakura received the ball inside the penalty area and quickly swung his left foot after a feint, but this was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
Then, at the 42nd minute, Hian connected near the near post to Nagatomo's cross, but it was just outside the goal. Despite intensifying the attack, they could not score.
The second half added time is 5 minutes. In a scramble formation, they desperately push Morishige to the front line aiming for an equalizing goal. From a right corner kick earned by Nagatomo's daring move, a scramble occurs in front of the goal from Kashifu's kick, and RIAN tries to strike with his right foot while turning around, but unfortunately, it hits the goalkeeper's center.
After that, Scholz's right cross and Nagatomo's long feed allowed Nagakura to aim a header, but the net did not shake. The red and blue showed a passionate fight until the end, but despite putting on a good game, they ended with the frustrating result of not being able to secure any points.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING XI
GK Kim Seung-gyu
DF Muroya Nari (36th minute second half: Yuto NAGATOMO) / Masato MORISHIGE / Kashif BANGNAGANDE / Alexander Scholz
MF Ko Woo-young (36th minute second half: Kei Koizumi) / Kento HASHIMOTO
FW Keita ENDO (26th minute second half: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA) / Motoki NAGAKURA / Leon NOZAWA (14th minute second half: Megumu Sato) / Teruhito NAKAGAWA (14th minute second half: Marcelo Jian)
SUBS
GK Masataka KOBAYASHI
DF Teppei OKA/Kanta DOI
MF Soma ANZAI
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
―
<Kashiwa Reysol>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Ryosuke KOJIMA
DF Wataru HARADA/Taiyo KOGA/Hiroshi MIMARU/Tomoya KOYAMATSU (41st minute 2nd half: Diego)
MF Yuto YAMADA/Atsuaki NAKAGAWA/Yoshio KOIZUMI (44th minute 2nd half: Hayato NAKAMA)/Tojiro KUBO
FW Riki WATARI (22nd minute 2nd half: Yota KOMI)/Yuki KAKITA (41st minute 2nd half: Mao HOSOYA)
SUBS
GK Kenta MATSUMOTO
DF Tomoya INUKAI/Hayato TANAKA
MF Yusuke SEGAWA/Sachiro TOSHIMA
MANAGER
Ricardo RODRIGUEZ
GOAL
28th minute of the second half: Tojiro KUBO
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, Please give us a review of today's match.
A, It was a very frustrating game. Although we had our moments, the biggest issue was that we couldn't finish decisively when it mattered. This has happened before, including conceding goals, so there are still many areas we need to refine. The process of improving is endless. We have no choice but to keep going, and we want to overcome this someday and prepare to secure a full 3 points with the kind of game performance we showed today.
Q: It seemed like Tokyo shifted gears at the start of the second half. What instructions did you give during halftime?
A, We talked about how to manage time in attack and the strength of our short counterattacks. Since the opponent is a team that pushes forward aggressively, if we can properly exploit the spaces ourselves, attacking through short counters was certainly our aim. However, we became too one-dimensional, and each attack ended after just one attempt. Also, there were times when we had to defend for extended periods, and once we gave the ball to the opponent, they were reluctant to give it back. To take the initiative ourselves, we discussed making more precise decisions in attack when pressing forward. In that regard, I think we were able to create a good flow in the second half.
Q. Please tell us the intention and evaluation behind the selection of player Kim Seung-gyu, who made his first appearance in Tokyo.
A, There was ample time to build up training, and the performance during that time was also very good. As you saw today, the key point for his selection was that he was in excellent condition. I believe he delivered a truly outstanding performance.
Q. We are now entering the break period. What kind of training approach are you considering during this time?
A. During this period, of course, we have time and there are also climate considerations, but we want to manage the scheduling so that we can properly balance rest and training in good condition. While building up as a team is one aspect, I also want to focus overall on reinforcing individual and positional aspects, as well as the demands I place on what we are trying to achieve once again.
[Player Interview]
<Player Kim Seung-gyu>
Q. This was your first league match appearance since joining Tokyo.
A. First of all, I am most frustrated that I couldn’t contribute to the victory. I had been preparing for today’s match with the aim of winning, so it is truly disappointing.
Q, the pass from the rearmost position was the starting point of the build-up.
A. Since it was my first official match appearance in a while, I was also thinking about playing safely before the game. However, being able to play boldly in the very first play and successfully connecting the feed to the front line as intended gave me confidence for the rest of the match.
Q. Besides build-up, there were stable plays in various aspects of defense as well.
A. Regarding the shot-stopping scenes, my past experience and instincts worked well in some situations, but the main focus was to thoroughly cover the space behind the defensive line. Since the timing and sense of speed for rushing out can be challenging, I played with particular caution and awareness. I want to carry this good feeling forward to the next match.
Q. Your first match in Tokyo was against your former team, Kashiwa Reysol. Was there anything you personally paid special attention to?
A, Since it was a club I had previously belonged to, I also felt that I could play in a familiar stadium. Compared to playing in a completely unknown team or stadium, it was somewhat easier mentally. Next, we have a match against Urawa Reds at our home ground, Ajinomoto Stadium, and I want to make my home debut in that game and finish it with a victory.
Q. We expect the coordination with teammates and Kim Sung-gyu's own condition to improve from here.
A. Today was my first official match since transferring, and from here on, I want to thoroughly understand my teammates' characteristics through the matches. Regarding the areas that were lacking in today's game, I want to communicate well starting from practice and improve them by the next match.
<Kento HASHIMOTO>
Q, The content was good, but it seems you couldn't achieve the desired result. How did you feel while doing it?
A. The first half was very tough, but throughout the match we had chances, and the impression is that they capitalized on one of those chances. We were defeated by the opponent's strong competitiveness, and it is a very frustrating loss.
Q. It seemed like you were able to do what you wanted to do as Tokyo to some extent.
A. There were times when we were doing well and times when it was quite difficult. Even so, we held firm in the first half and carried that into the second half, and I think there were chances to bring home a win, so I believe there are many parts that have been steadily built up. However, right now the result is the most important thing, so I feel responsible.
Q. You mentioned the opponent's strong competitiveness. Where do you think was the fine line that decided the outcome of the match?
A. I think the opponent is playing with confidence because they have been getting results, and we tend to struggle to bounce back once we concede a goal. Even so, we have no choice but to fight tenaciously, and I believe it comes down to the small details, like everyone encouraging each other and fighting together especially during tough times.
Q: I think you have been able to show your strengths quite well. What do you think?
A. I think the individual strengths of the players are gradually emerging, and the quality of our combinations is also improving. However, since we scored zero goals today, I want us to be able to score in every match. We are aiming to be an attacking team, so we must make sure to score goals consistently.
Q: The winning streak has ended, and we are entering the break period. What aspects will you focus on during this time?
A. Improving teamwork is one aspect, and personally, I want to focus on conditioning so that we can compete well during the summer.
