＜Previous Match Review against Kashiwa Reysol＞
In order to change the difficult flow at the Japan National Stadium, the blue and red players boldly attacked the opponent's goal from the start. Just after the kickoff, player Keiun SATO, who was positioned as the lone striker, initiated an attack, and in the 16th minute of the first half, center-back Teppei OKA made a powerful advance and took a fierce left-footed shot from the middle. In the 20th minute, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA aimed for a loose ball and took a shot. Even in defense, they actively pressed from the front line to induce mistakes from the opponent, demonstrating a coordinated defense as a team.
Since the renovation, National has been undefeated in home games. In the 35th minute of the first half, Takuya TAWARAZUMI cut in from the left and provided a shot-like ball, which deflected off an opponent and was pushed in by Teruhito NAKAGAWA at the far side, scoring the opening goal for the first time in 7 league matches. In the 41st minute of the first half, Soma ANZAI's direct free kick hit the crossbar, creating another close chance, and the team went into halftime with a one-goal lead.
In the second half, where Kashiwa Reysol increased their ball possession and attacking scenes, the duration of being pushed back gradually lengthened. However, it seemed they might somehow endure and secure a victory since Sec. 3, but in the dying moments of the second half, with about one minute remaining, they were painfully scored against after being targeted multiple times at the flanks of the three-back defense, and they heard the final whistle with a score of 1-1.
After the result of narrowly missing victory at the very end, coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI said, "It is very frustrating. Our own softness, including my own, showed. I want to align our focus once again and prepare for the next challenge," he said in a strict yet passionate tone as he looked ahead.
Match Preview
Will the intense battle that unfolded midweek change the momentum?
The blue and red team is in a difficult situation with seven winless matches in the league. In the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol, they allowed a heartbreaking equalizer just before victory was within reach, and once again could not secure a win. Just three days after this frustrating match, in the 2025 J League YBC Levain Cup 1st Round 2nd Round, the team faced RB Omiya Ardija away, fighting with a strong desire for victory and successfully advancing to the 3rd Round after a fierce battle lasting 120 minutes, including extra time.
The key player in the victory was Marcelo RYAN, who had been frustrated with no goals in official matches until now. The number 19, who marked 14 goals in league matches for Sagan Tosu last season, achieved a hat-trick as if to clear the frustration from the start of the season. This season, he had not been able to fully showcase his original threat due to a strong focus on his role as a point of attack and collaboration with teammates, but with outstanding speed and overwhelming finishing ability, he quickly scored three goals. He performed the salute pose for the first time in Tokyo and shared the joy with his blue-red teammates who gathered behind the away goal.
The passing play that created the first goal as a team was brilliant. Kei KOIZUMI received a clever lob pass from Keigo HIGASHI, controlled it with his chest, and Yuto NAGATOMO, who was making a run to target the third movement, returned the ball for the assist. Yuto NAGATOMO, who led the opening goal with a magnificent inner lap, stated strongly, "It was a goal involving the two defensive midfielders. We were able to show great synergy as a team. The result is certainly significant, and the fact that we fought together and won gives us confidence."
Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also said, "After the game where the last 3 points slipped away right in front of us in the previous league match, we bounced back from a difficult situation. This is nothing but their strong mentality," highly praising the players' rebound mentality.
However, win and tighten the Kabuto's strings. The players showed expressions of joy with their long-awaited victory, but there was no sign of elation after the match. And that is understandable. They took the lead but allowed an equalizer in the 37th minute of the second half, and the victory was achieved after extra time. If it were a 90-minute game, it would have been a similar development to the frustrating match against Kashiwa.
Soma ANZAI, who ran until the very end, said, "If it had been a 90-minute game, we would have ended up dropping points just like in the Kashiwa match. We need to tighten up again and have a solid common understanding of our defense." Takahiro KO also calmly analyzed, "We should have finished it properly in 90 minutes."
However, it is a significant positive that the team was able to showcase a style of football that combines the individual strengths of players, which had been difficult to see during the period of not winning. Each player demonstrated strength in battles for the ball, as if they were reminded of what was necessary to draw victory as a team. And Lucas RIAN, who had not been able to score, seemed to have regained his natural scoring instinct, shaking the net as if he had been released from the chains of no goals. If that is the case, then the entire team as well──.
In the locker room after the match, the players discussed together, saying, "Let's focus on the next match," and quickly shifted their mindset to the upcoming match against Cerezo Osaka. Takahashi also mentioned, "The next match is really important. I want to make sure we can secure a victory," as he looked forward to achieving a win in the league match since Sec. 3.
Recovery from the fatigue of the intense battle that lasted 120 minutes on Wednesday will be a key point. The ability to play football without any drop in quality, regardless of who is on the field, is a significant strength of this season's 'Power Tokyo.' As we approach this match against Cerezo Osaka away, we want to change the current flow by focusing on the details, bringing out each other's strengths, and surpassing in both tactics and individual battles to secure a victory. Blue and red united. In each of our places, we think of victory.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, the match against Omiya Ardija was fought for 120 minutes, and it will be a match against Cerezo Osaka in three days.
A, it was a three-day period to alleviate fatigue, as there is no lack of it.
Q: In the match against Omiya, after the score was tied, we regained control of the game. I believe we were able to make adjustments during the match.
A, there are difficult moments in any match. Therefore, I believe it is important to engage in 'game reading' (understanding the flow of the match) without being shaken. I think it is significant that we were able to embody what is necessary during the match, while reading the flow and bringing out the players' strengths. There will always be challenges, so I believe that by aligning our focus, we can address them while preparing for the next match.
Q: How do you evaluate Soma ANZAI, who ran for 120 minutes?
A, I still think he can run even more (laughs). He was changing positions two or three times during the match. In that context, even in the final moments of the game, he was taking shots when he moved up front. I believe the stamina to get there in the last moments is truly immeasurable. If he can score a goal there, I think he can reach even higher. However, I believe we shouldn't just give him the green light there. He is a player who can aim for even greater heights.
Q: In the match against Omiya Ardija, a goal was scored from Marcelo RYAN's run behind the defense. How do you balance connecting passes and passes behind the defense to aim for goals at C Osaka?
A, it is important to exploit the space created by moving the ball, as it changes the opponent's formation. Therefore, it is essential to move the ball effectively. It is important to remain calm whether you have the ball or not. When you don't have the ball, it requires patience, patience, patience. In defense, you must avoid creating space or gaps. When you have the ball, rushing to make a pass can also create an opportunity for a counterattack. By simply moving the ball, when the opponent creates a gap, quickly shifting gears and taking advantage of that space has led to scoring in the match against RB Omiya.
Q: C Osaka has momentum with their forwards. How will you approach the match?
A, I want to make sure we don't get overwhelmed by the momentum. We also have thoughts on how to utilize our victory against RB Omiya in this match. We want to play a good game and secure 3 points. I think there will be difficult moments, but I am confident that we can handle them well.
[Player Interview]
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q, the victory against Omiya Ardija was a good opportunity that could lead to future victories in the league, wasn't it?
A, I think that winning as a team in a tense one-shot tournament will work positively. Also, with Marcelo RYAN scoring a goal, the result was a victory with a large number of goals, including a hat-trick, which I believe made it a positive match. As a team, we naturally have a strong desire to change this situation and to win. I want to keep the focus on the details and the energy for the next match as well.
Q: In the match against Omiya Ardija, Yuto NAGATOMO's performance and hard work were evident. Does the performance of players competing for the same position motivate you?
A, I feel that the competition has become intense again, and I think it's impressive that Nagatomo, who made a starting appearance after a long time, is already delivering results. Personally, I haven't been able to show plays that directly lead to goals since the opening match. I can't afford to lose in the positional battle, and I hope to channel the good pressure I put on myself into a positive tension in my play.
Q: As we approach the match against Cerezo Osaka this round, please share any insights you have discussed with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI and your teammates.
A, with only three days between the match against RB Omiya and the upcoming match against C Osaka, there was little time to make detailed adjustments. However, the players have been proactive in creating opportunities for discussion about how to approach the game and communicate on the pitch. Just like in the match against RB Omiya, the players on the pitch have been able to coordinate well and reflect that in their play. I believe that communication both on and off the pitch will lead the team in a positive direction.
Q: Please tell us your impression of Cerezo Osaka.
A, there are players with high attacking power positioned wide, and I want to ensure we take care of side attacks that utilize vertical momentum. There are also many goals from set plays, so I believe concentrated defense is required. Personally, I am looking forward to competing against players I played with during my time at Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, such as Shindo, Tanaka, and Lucas FERNANDES, and I think they are key players to watch in both offense and defense.
<Marcelo RYAN>
Q, first of all, congratulations on your first goal and hat-trick after joining the match against Omiya Ardija.
AI am very happy, and honestly, I feel a bit more at ease. I was determined to score as soon as possible for the team's victory, and I have been working hard in daily training to achieve that goal. I believe I will continue to improve from here.
Q, it seemed that more than Marcelo RYAN, my teammates and the fans and supporters were happy as if it were their own.
A, I believe my goal led to victory, and we were all able to share in the joy of the match against RB Omiya. Your support and joyful voices, along with the encouragement from my teammates, truly give me strength. Next is the league match against Cerezo Osaka. We will unite our efforts once again to fight for a long-awaited victory in the league.
Q: The second and third goals against Omiya were in a style that suits player Hian well.
A, during my time at Yokohama FC and Sagan Tosu, I have been able to score by making runs behind the defense through clever plays, which is one of my strengths. I have been able to communicate with the midfielders about how I want the ball to be supplied during practice. The second goal came from a through pass by Takahiro KO, and I was able to break free well from a pass by Kento HASHIMOTO for the third goal. I feel that good combinations are increasing with each match. Please look forward to my goals in the league matches.
