The big match!

The fierce competition for the top spots in the J2 League continues as it reaches its 24th matchday, and the long league season is finally entering its final two-thirds. After this matchday, the remaining number of matches will be "12." It is now the time when the battle for the top spot heats up. In today's match, where the two teams in 1st and 2nd place are clashing, 4,844 spectators (the second highest this season, with the highest being 6,148 for the Sapporo match on April 29 at Nishigaoka) gathered. Currently, Kawasaki Frontale is in 1st place with 47 points, while Tokyo is in 2nd place with 45 points. If Tokyo wins within 90 minutes today, they will extend their points to 48 and take the top spot with a point difference of "+1." Conversely, if they lose within 90 minutes, the point difference with the top will widen to "-5," and they will have to be wary of the approaching footsteps of 3rd place Oita and 4th place Sapporo. As Tokyo aims to become the "first J2 champion," they could not afford to lose in this direct confrontation at this critical time and fall significantly behind the top spot.

Could not create a decisive opportunity in the first half

After about three months of rehabilitation, Nishigaoka Soccer Field transformed into a vibrant "green carpet." On this day of the "big match," it welcomed us back in top condition. "Red dragonflies" fluttered around the ground and stands, making Nishigaoka feel completely autumnal, but the intensity of the sunlight was still very much "summer." The match began in nearly 30-degree heat. Tokyo, missing their absolute ace Amaral due to accumulated warnings, deployed the speedy Kaburaki as a forward and Okamoto, who returned from injury, as an attacking midfielder on the left, launching attacks aimed at getting behind the opposing defense. Kaburaki actively moved side to side to disrupt the relatively shallow line of Kawasaki's defense, demanding balls to run onto, but Tokyo struggled to distribute effective passes to the front line under the intense pressure from the midfield, failing to create chances. Almir also tried to establish a presence up front but was thwarted by tight marking, and with no attacking options left, Tokyo began to rely on monotonous long balls. However, this was not enough to break down Kawasaki's stable defense. The only time there seemed to be a chance was when left-back Fujiyama joined the attack, and his sharp dribbling and precise wall passes managed to break through Kawasaki's defense several times.

On the other hand, Kawasaki F has been stealing the ball with intense pressing in the midfield, distributing the ball to TUTO and TINGA as the two top players, and building up their attacks. These two players excel in speed, technique, and stamina, and they create chances by constantly changing positions and executing precise passing plays. Tokyo has been pushed back quite a bit, but their defense has been charging at the two players effectively, not allowing them to take free shots. In addition, even in decisive moments, GK Suzuki escaped danger with his decisive and bold dives. As the shot count of 1-7 in the first half indicates, the game has been unfolding at Kawasaki F's pace.

Second half with Tokyo's pace

As the second half began, the pace shifted to Tokyo's favor. In the first half, Almir, who was fixed in the center, started to drift widely to the left and right, with other players following into the open spaces, gradually creating a rhythm. In the 53rd minute, Almir intercepted a pass in the center and sent it to Yukihiko on the right. Yukihiko unleashed a powerful shot, but unfortunately, it was caught by the goalkeeper. In the following 54th minute, Fujiyama intercepted the ball, dribbled past three defenders, and again passed to Yukihiko on the right. After taking a dribble, he shot, but it was blocked by a tackle from the opposing defender. After the match continued at Tokyo's pace, in the 68th minute, TUTO, who had been leading the attack for Kawasaki F, received a second warning and was sent off, giving Tokyo a significantly advantageous situation with one extra player. However, Tokyo could not capitalize on this opportunity, and instead, Kawasaki F rallied. Kawasaki F covered the absence of one player with intense movement and fighting spirit, showing no signs of being at a numerical disadvantage. They basically defended solidly with ten players and occasionally launched sharp counters when opportunities arose. In the 84th minute, a free kick from the right by Kawasaki F was headed towards the goal, and for a moment, I thought, 'We've been scored on,' but the decision was offside. Despite being one player down, Kawasaki F's efforts stood out.

Still no resolution...

When the game went into extra time, the energy level of Kawasaki F, who had one less player, dropped significantly. The game continued at Tokyo's pace, and Enomoto, who came on in the middle of the second half, took a bold and powerful long-range shot while the opposing defenders were sluggish. 102

After goalkeeper Suzuki prevented a big pinch, Tokyo's fierce attack continued completely. Just before the end of the first half of extra time, Tokyo had 4-5 consecutive corner kicks and showered shots on Kawasaki F's goal. However, due to Tokyo's lack of decisiveness and Kawasaki F's efforts, they couldn't score and went into the second half of extra time. As if telling a fierce battle, Kawasaki F's Tinger's leg cramped and he couldn't run properly. Tokyo's players also showed signs of fatigue and ultimately couldn't create scoring opportunities. The Tokyo vs Kawasaki F match, just like the April 4th match (Todoroki), ended without a resolution after 120 minutes of fierce battle.

Coach Matsumoto's Comment

In a very difficult situation (with 10 players), the players did their best without losing focus. The defense against Tokyo was practiced repeatedly over the course of a week. The players executed faithfully and defended well overall.

<Coach Okuma's Comment>

(With one player sent off), we had a numerical advantage but couldn't break through. We didn't have a player who could be the core in the midfield at times like this. There were also decisive chances, and it was a game we had to win. However, I think the defense did well overall.