<1st Round 2nd Round – Review of the RB Omiya Ardija Match>
The 1st Round 2nd Round match held away on April 16. Tokyo took the lead with aggressive pressing from the first half and soccer that utilized the speed of player Marcelo Hian. In the 11th minute of the second half, Hian scored his first goal after transferring to Aozora. Kei KOIZUMI broke free from a lofted pass by Keigo HIGASHI and laid it off, then number 19 pushed in a cross from the overlapping Yuto NAGATOMO, securing an attack with depth.
However, at the 37th minute of the second half, the opponent equalized, and the match went into extra time. Then, at the 8th minute of the first half of extra time, Takahiro KO intercepted the ball in midfield and advanced forward with a long through pass. The player who broke through here was Lucas RIAN. He challenged vertically, dodged the opposing goalkeeper, and successfully scored the go-ahead goal.
Furthermore, in the additional time of the first half of extra time, Kento HASHIMOTO’s feed allowed player Hian to sprint solo with high-speed dribbling. From a 45-degree angle on the left, he struck a sharp right-footed shot, achieving a hat-trick and sealing the match.
For the team, this victory came after a series of winless league matches. The players were determined, saying, “If it had been a 90-minute game, we would have been caught and ended in a draw. We must secure the win properly.” However, the ace, who had been ineffective since the league started, demonstrated overwhelming scoring ability, and in terms of the team bringing out his strengths as a whole, this match became a turning point for the entire season.
<1st Round 3rd Round Preview>
Between league matches comes the battle for the J League’s holy grail. The 2025 J League YBC Levain Cup 1st Round 3rd Round, Tokyo faces Shonan Bellmare away. This match is a knockout tournament where the winner is decided by a single game result. In other words, it is a game that will be decided until the end, including extra time and penalty kicks.
In the 2nd Round away match against RB Omiya Ardija, Marcelo RYAN achieved a hat-trick in a game that went into extra time, securing a 3-2 victory. The players never stopped moving until the very end, embodying the necessary “battle” on the pitch to win.
No matter the content, what is absolutely required in this match is victory. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also said, “To advance to the next stage, everyone must put forth their energy. While there are tactical aspects, considering what happens during the match, we want to be clearer than ever about what must be done to move forward and what decisions are necessary.” He envisions the path to victory.
The opponent Shonan Bellmare aims for a top position by combining their traditional hard work with coach Satoshi YAMAGUCHI’s organizational football. This season, they had a strong start with an unbeaten run in the first 5 matches, and although they have struggled a bit since, they secured a victory against FC Machida Zelvia in Sec. 12 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. They have ended their last 3 league matches without scoring, but coach Matsuhashi remains vigilant, stating, “This is a team whose level of completion is improving. They are a tough opponent capable of breakthroughs both as a group and individually.”
When Tokyo faced off in Sec. 5, the match ended in a scoreless draw, but the impression of a well-played game with the feeling of “if only we had converted the chances…” is still fresh in memory. However, it is true that the issue of lack of finishing ability remained from that match. It must not be forgotten that this has continued to be a point of correction for the team since then.
Veteran Keigo HIGASHI also warns, “I think every team is saying, ‘If we had scored that, we would have won,’ or ‘If we had defended there.’ In the current J.League, rankings and points change depending on which way those moments go. Having been in this world for a long time, I strongly feel that again. That is why we must be particular about those aspects.”
You can’t advance by just being “close.” Since it’s a one-shot match, how you seize the flow of the game is also a key point. Player Higashi continues as follows.
“It is necessary to challenge without fear of mistakes, but easy mistakes must absolutely be avoided. The balance there is important. I want to surpass the opponent by disrupting their momentum, such as by surprising them or changing directions. Once on the pitch, age doesn’t matter, and in the end, it’s all about how you can show your desire to win and your determination not to let the opponent succeed. Personally, I believe the only way is to show it through your play.”
In the very end, if the match goes to a penalty shootout, a great responsibility is placed on the goalkeeper. Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who may have the opportunity to play, shared a confident comment while anticipating the heavy responsibility and pressure: “If my turn comes, I want to give it my all with no regrets. I believe that if there are five penalty kicks, I can save at least one.”
Win or lose, it’s a one-shot match. Fighting for a spot in the playoff round, “Rikizo Tokyo” heads to away Shonan.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, This will be a single-elimination tournament, but what points will you focus on?
A, first of all, we must win. We absolutely want to advance to the next stage, and we will put all our energy into that. Since it is a knockout format, winning is the basic premise, but what can happen within the 90 minutes and what we need to do to move on might be somewhat clearer than in the league matches. Other than that, we will approach the match without any changes.
Q. Specifically, what points need to be clarified?
A, for example, in a positive situation, when leading, whether to hold the lead or go for additional goals. Conversely, from the perspective of how to score when trailing,I think it is necessary to make this clearer.
Q. Please tell us your impression of the opponent Shonan Bellmare.
A, the impression is of a highly complete team. They have players up front who can finish with few numbers, and I think it is a team that also has individual breakthroughs in key moments. In addition, the way the team fights, including their strategic targets, is clear. They are a very tough opponent.
Q. The league match ended in a scoreless draw.
A, it was a good game and I think it was a match we could win. However, past information and previous matches do not guarantee anything. We will fight based on the current team situation and just put in our effort.
[Player Interview]
Q: please review the game against Urawa.
A, it was a very frustrating match since we had taken the lead. Including the way the game unfolded after scoring first, it was a match where we had to bring back points from an away ground. Since it was a match with content that must not be repeated, we want to make sure to improve properly.
Q. What is your image of Shonan Bellmare, and what do you think is necessary to win?
A, I think they are an aggressive team. If we get pushed back by their momentum and become passive, we will give them openings, so it is necessary to score the first goal and then continue to go for additional goals. Conceding a goal can also give the opponent momentum, so it is important to proceed with the match without conceding.
Q. The tournament will be a single-elimination match. What do you think will be important?
Not only in the league matches but also in the tournament, if we lose, there will be no next game, so we want to prioritize the result even more than the content. I believe it is important to approach the match with a stronger determination than the opponent.
Q: I think it was a difficult match where you came in as part of the defense line from the middle of the second half in the previous game.
I entered the pitch when the score was tied at 2-2. First, I focused on calming the game down, but I couldn’t stop the opponent’s momentum and couldn’t show the significance of my substitution. Above all, I’m frustrated that I lost without being able to do the job I was supposed to do.
Q: Do you think there is a possibility that your playing time will be longer than in the recent match against Urawa Reds?
When I step onto the pitch, I focus on fully engaging in the match and doing my job during the time I play. At the same time, I feel the joy of having an upcoming match, and above all, I want to win the Levain Cup title. I want to channel that feeling into the game. I believe my condition will improve from here, and tomorrow’s match is very important for winning the title. I want to take responsibility and stand on the pitch.
Q: I think you are often entrusted with the stability and control of the defense.
A. There is room for improvement in terms of conceding many goals and defensive methods, and personally, I feel there are many things that can be improved through communication and positioning. I want to contribute to the team’s strength.
Q: Both Levain Cup matches so far have been difficult contests decided in extra time. Please tell us what is necessary to secure a solid victory within 90 minutes.
A, first of all as a team, I think it is important to proceed with the match while being conscious of stability and balance in offense and defense, and for the whole team to work together to score the first goal. In the recent match against Urawa, although we scored first, we ended up losing after being overtaken, so defensive intensity is naturally required. There are many areas where we are lacking to secure victory. We want to approach the game with strictness in both offense and defense, and for everyone to work together to score. We aim to keep the mindset of going for the second and third goals consecutively.
AloJapan.com