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.
It may have been a tough battle, but I am very happy to have achieved victory. I am also very pleased to be able to 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.
I am not making a plan about whether to include members or not, or whether to bring them in midway, but I am always considering when to utilize them. This time, I had the expectation of starting and seeing how much I could do within 90 minutes. I have been able to express good performance in training, and I felt that this game was the right opportunity, so I decided to start with the lineup.

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.
In today's match, after a game where we let three points slip away in a very tough battle in the league, it was truly a difficult situation. I believe that the fact they bounced back strongly reflects their strong will. Not just them, but all of us involved with the team, including the staff, were able to continuously seek how greedy we could be about that. I think that is what allowed us to bring about the result of victory.

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.
I am very tired. But I am very happy.

Q, after your first goal, consecutive goals followed.
We have been practicing hard to score goals and to win as a team. I am really happy that we were able to score and that the team won, and I want to build on this from here.

Q: please review each goal.
The first goal came from a good build-up, and I just had to push it in. The second goal was a through pass from Takahiro KO, and I was able to stay calm, so I managed to get around the goalkeeper and score. For the third goal, Kento HASHIMOTO gave me a good ball, 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.
Up until now, there were times when I started moving but the pass didn't come, or I was slow to start and missed the timing. However, today I was able to score in a good way, so I want to adjust more and increase the number of good plays like today.

Q: Next, goals are expected in the league matches.
Yes, that's right. There is another important league match on Sunday, so I want to score a goal and help the team win.

<Yuto NAGATOMO>

Q: please review the game.
We had many good situations with our proactive defense from the front, and we were able to take shots as well, so I think there were many good moments in terms of how we defended. By pressing from the front, there were times when we were countered and allowed shots against us, but I believe we can correct that moving forward. While pressing from the front does come with such risks, as a team, we need to refine our approach and ensure we manage risks effectively by stopping the opponent when 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, there were more chances in the attack than in recent matches, and of course, I think we gained a lot from scoring. Instead of leaving it to the forwards, I believe we were able to show fluidity in our attack by involving all the players from the back today, and I want to continue sharing 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 is that it wasn't an attack relying solely on individuals. It was because the support from the defensive midfielder and the presence of one center-back created a solid numerical advantage, which increased the options for movement and passing.

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?
Having struggled in the league matches, we will turn this victory into our confidence, and with the Cerezo Osaka match coming up soon, 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?
As a team, I am happy to have been given the opportunity to start in a difficult situation where we have not been able to win in official matches, and at the same time, my determination to "make it happen" has increased. I wanted to repay the trust of Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, who decided to use me as a starter, as well as the staff, with results. Considering that, while we were able to achieve victory as a team, I feel regret for not being able to deliver results as an individual.

Q: Before the match, what kind of encouragement did you receive from your seniors and Coach Matsuhashi?
A, everyone said things like, "It's okay to play as usual without being nervous" and "It's okay to make mistakes, so play with confidence," and there were many encouraging words and supportive comments to help me play comfortably.

Q: You stood out in scenes where you actively aimed for goals from the inside half position.
In a difficult situation where the team has continued a winless streak in official matches, I was given the chance to start, and 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 feel regret that I couldn't show the results or numbers from this opportunity I seized. If I am given another chance, I want to contribute to the team with results and numbers next time.