Match Review
Tokyo has navigated the first five matches with 4 wins, 1 loss, and 10 points, ranking 3rd, and now aims to accelerate its momentum heading into the mid-season break. Having played 4 of those 5 matches at home, the team will now face a demanding schedule with three consecutive away games, including a midweek match. While maintaining a mindset of winning each game, head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI emphasized to the players the perspective that might become clear after these three matches. He focused on conveying the importance of the points earned in this three-game stretch as the team fully engages in a fierce title race.
For the away game against Mito Hollyhock, which was the first match of this series, the coach selected the same members as the previous match. In goal was Kim Seung-gyu, the back line from right to left consisted of Sei Muroya, Alexander Scholz, Rio OMORI, and Yuto NAGATOMO. The defensive midfielders were Kouta TOKIWA and Kento HASHIMOTO, with attackers Kei SATO on the right and Ryunosuke SATO on the left. Up front, Marcelo Hyan and Motoki NAGAKURA formed the partnership.
For Sho OMORI, who kept a clean sheet in his first start since returning to the blue and red last match, this was his first J1 League encounter against his older brother Sho OMORI, who plays for Mito. "Since we were always in J2, I’m really looking forward to finally facing him in J1. With a winning streak on the line, I want to show both aggressiveness and stability," he said enthusiastically. Also, Leon NOZAWA was named to the bench for the first time this season. Attention was drawn to this attacker known for his daring play. The match kicked off at 2:03 p.m. under clear skies at K's denki Stadium Mito.
1stHALF—Searching for a Path to Goal by Changing Attacking Approaches
From the start, both teams showed an aggressive attitude, each trying to maintain a high position as they progressed the match. Tokyo’s first shot came in the 10th minute of the first half. After a quick combination, Muroya sent in a low cross, and Kento HASHIMOTO aimed for a middle-distance shot from the rebound. Although it was blocked by the opponent, Tokyo demonstrated a well-rounded attack.
While maintaining possession and searching for a way to break down the defense, Tokyo responded to Mito's concentrated defense by pulling back and mixing in long balls as they looked for attacking opportunities. In the 20th minute of the first half, they created a chance from Ryunosuke Sato's left corner kick, but the scramble in front of the goal was blocked by Mito's numbers, and the net did not ripple.
Immediately after, Nagatomo was forced to leave the game due to injury, and Kento HASHIMOTO was brought on in a scramble. He took up the left side-back position as is.
Mito showed compact defense with multiple players closing in on the ball. Tokyo’s Muroya made a grounded side change, from which Ryunosuke Sato sent a mistimed cutback. Keiun Sato, who rushed in at the far side, shot just a bit late and the ball went over the bar.
In the 35th minute of the first half, Omori delivered a threading long feed, and defensive midfielder Kento HASHIMOTO broke free to attempt a header, but the ball, which he tried skillfully to redirect, did not go as intended and was caught by the opposing goalkeeper. It was a dynamic attack that instantly created a big chance, but unfortunately, it did not result in the opening goal.
In the 44th minute of the first half, a quick long counterattack was launched, but Mito quickly recovered and prevented the shot. The first half continued with both teams aggressively defending and neutralizing each other's strengths, and despite 3 minutes of added time, the score remained unchanged, leaving the outcome of the match to be decided in the second half.
2nd HALF—Tied Immediately After Taking the Lead, Bringing Home 2 Points from the Penalty Shootout
Determined not to let the opponent show their strengths and to demonstrate our own power in the second half. The blue-red eleven took the pitch to the chant, "Pour out your passion! Seize the championship."
However, from the very start, they were pushed into the attacking third and faced consecutive major threats. The first danger was saved by Sungyu, and the following scene was rescued by the right post, but it became a period that strongly made them aware of the necessity to thoroughly implement risk management while building attacking plays.
After that, the time spent on the defensive continued as Mito showed their quick starts.
It was the 14th minute of the second half, a difficult period. After tenaciously connecting the ball to the left in midfield, Kento HASHIMOTO delivered a sharp cross with his left foot to the far side, where Muroya met it with a right-footed direct volley to score the opening goal! With a powerful strike that clearly focused on solid contact, Tokyo took a step forward.
However, immediately at the 16th minute, a goal was conceded as Watanabe scored from inside the penalty area. The equalizer came shortly after taking the lead.
Wanting to seize the momentum, Tokyo made substitutions in the 19th minute of the second half, bringing on Keita ENDO and Kei KOIZUMI for Ryu Sato and Tokiwa. Both players, known for their strength in one-on-one situations, were entrusted with revitalizing the pitch.
Tokyo, unable to create attacking opportunities as they wished, struggled to break free from Mito's momentum. Mito pressed quickly on the ball holders and maintained tight defense, not allowing Tokyo any freedom. In the 31st minute of the second half, Endo took a right-footed mid-range shot from a loose ball after a right corner kick, but it narrowly missed to the left of the goal, failing to secure the go-ahead goal.
In the 37th minute of the second half, Coach Matsuhashi made his final substitution. He took off Hian and Kei Sato, bringing on Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Fuki YAMADA. NAKAGAWA was positioned at the forefront, with YAMADA deployed as the right attacker, aiming to take the lead.
In the 41st minute of the second half, consecutive major threats came from counters and set plays, but thanks to Sungyu’s fine saves and the defensive line’s committed blocks, no goals were conceded.
In the final stages, Tokyo pressed into Mito’s territory with a solid attack, but they were unable to create clear scoring chances. Even during the 5 minutes of additional time, they could not change the course of the match and held off Mito’s fierce assault until the final whistle. The outcome of the match was left to a penalty shootout.
The penalty shootout was taken facing the Blue-Red family. After each team scored with their first five shooters, in the sixth round, Mito, who went first, hit the left post and missed, while FC Tokyo’s Kento HASHIMOTO scored with his left foot to secure the victory. Following the first two matches of the season, all players successfully converted their penalty kicks, and despite the struggle, the team managed to bring back 2 points from the away game.
Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q. Please give us a summary of today’s match.
AFirst of all, I am glad that we were able to secure 2 points. Not to compare, but while in the previous match we were able to play our game throughout and earned 3 points, this match was one where we were often pressed and at a disadvantage against Mito Hollyhock’s excellent play. However, even in such circumstances, I believe the players demonstrated the ability to secure 2 points. That this led to the final result, and that we were able to accumulate points even when not playing well, is very important for us to move closer to our goals.
Q. The match seemed to cancel out each other’s strengths. From the coach’s perspective, what was difficult about it?
A. It was a game where Mito’s style was fully demonstrated, and we had prepared for that. Our defensive plan for the first half was executed well. However, I think there were many moments in the first half where we fell behind in our attacking play. Although we aimed to start the second half strongly, there were parts where the opponent outperformed us slightly. Still, not conceding a goal there led to Sei MUROYA’s opening goal. Even in difficult situations, the players fought hard and battled tenaciously, defending as a unit to prevent the opponent from scoring. Being able to express that determination until the very end is what I believe led to earning 2 points in the penalty shootout.
Q. The build-up in attack did not go well, and there were few scenes where the play connected from the defensive line. How was this different from the previous match?
A. I think the main issue was that we couldn’t smoothly create the ‘plus one’ option against the opponent’s pressure. Mito applied such a high press that they didn’t even give us that slightest gap. They probably analyzed us and aimed to take away that timing. Even so, there was a chance to effectively use long balls to turn the game around, but we couldn’t execute that well either, which made our overall attack rather bland in this match.
Player Interview
Sei MUROYA
Q, how do you perceive today's result?
A, despite the difficult circumstances, we were able to score the opening goal and wanted to finish the match as it was, but we conceded immediately after. I think that was unfortunate. Considering Mito Hollyhock's performance and various conditions such as the wind and the pitch, I feel it was a tough match.
Q, please look back on the scoring scene.
A, I don’t remember much, but I was always conscious of trying to get into the area in front of the goal. In the process, I made eye contact with Kento HASHIMOTO, so I thought the ball was coming. Then, a truly wonderful cross came in, so I focused solely on making contact and was able to score a good shot.
Q, It feels like what makes Tokyo unique is that the fullback on one side scored a goal from a pass by the fullback on the opposite side.
A, This season, with Keito Sato and myself, we have been able to create many attacking variations, so I think I have been able to get involved well in the attack and form good plays.
Q, how do you feel about the scene of the conceded goal?
A, a cross ball was delivered, and the ball dropped to an unfavorable spot inside the penalty area, allowing them to score. I think the team also relaxed a bit after scoring. We, including myself, should have tightened up in situations like that, and I truly think it was a waste. We must secure 3 points even in matches like this. However, since it’s a congested schedule, I want to take a positive view that we earned 2 points in such a difficult match and focus on getting 3 points in the next game. There is no time to be down.
Q. You were the fifth kicker in the penalty shootout.
A I thought it would be understandable if I missed, so I just kicked it casually (laughs).
Q. I think it was a wonderful placement.
A, Really? I just kicked it casually (laughs).
Q, There is a match against JEF United Chiba in three days. How do you want to make adjustments?
A, I personally think it’s absolutely fine to somehow hold on during the kind of match development we had in the first half. However, there were still many stretched-out moments in the second half, so I believe today’s challenge is that we need to be able to properly control the game ourselves during those times. In the next match, it would be great if we can adapt flexibly to the match situation, such as connecting the ball firmly or retreating to form a block and endure during certain periods.
Q. The result was 5 wins and 1 loss.
A, including victories in penalty shootouts, but we want to somehow keep earning points and stay in the title race.
Q, all the penalty shootouts have been held on the Tokyo fans and supporters' side.
A, I'm actually good at that kind of thing. I have strong luck with draws.
Kento HASHIMOTO
Q. You entered the match in a scramble; what kind of mindset did you have when you stepped onto the pitch?
A, It was sudden when I came in, so I wasn’t fully prepared. I hadn’t had much experience like that before, but watching the game, considering the opponent’s pace and the condition of the pitch among other factors, we weren’t able to do what we wanted. So, I thought I would do what I could despite the unfavorable situation. Above all, I focused on properly getting into the game.
Q: You assisted the opening goal in that situation. Please look back on that moment as well.
A, It’s one of my strengths, and I had decided to deliver a cross the moment I got the ball. My rhythm wasn’t very good, and the team spent a long time on the defensive, but in the end, I believe the final part comes down to individual quality. I was thinking about that decisive moment throughout the match. As a result, I made eye contact with Sei MUROYA, and I’m grateful that he finished it.
Q. You mentioned wanting to show your full strength over the three consecutive matches, but didn’t you demonstrate that in the match before this one?
A, I think I could have done more. That one assist led to the opening goal, but conceding immediately after was really unfortunate. Looking back at my performance, there were definitely things I could have done better. In terms of build-up play to calm the team down, it wouldn’t be surprising to say that the opponent controlled the pace for the full 90 minutes today. Compared to the build-up we executed in the previous match, the number of intentional attempts to approach the goal was far too low. There were more opportunities where I could have made a difference. I also want to have more moments where I can win the ball back defensively, so in that sense, I still have a long way to go.
Q. In terms of defense, since Yuto NAGATOMO was on the team, the opponent has been sending long balls to the left side. Did that cause any difficulties?
A, Neither NAGATOMO nor I are tall, so being targeted for headers happens quite often, but I don’t dislike it; it’s an area where I need to get stronger. However, I believe that defense which prevents chances and then regains possession is a level above. I want to win the ball more often. The moment we take possession, we can switch play, and since Muroya can do that, for me to reach the next level, that kind of ability is necessary.
Q. The opponent was able to apply high pressing, and I think today's challenge was how to get through the areas with no gaps.
A, I won’t know for sure until I review it properly later, but I felt the team’s intention was to trigger a switch against back passes. Rather than worrying too much about the space behind, which is rare in the J1 League, they would all go to mark players when a back pass was made. When we easily chose to pass backward, the opponent’s pressing arrows were very obvious. I was conscious of holding the ball in a way that would stop my feet against back passes and trying to move the ball forward as much as possible. We managed that in the first half, but in the second half, our intentions didn’t align well with our teammates, and there were many situations where we ended up just receiving the ball. I think both holding the ball to stop my feet and the receivers moving to get the ball could have been done with a bit more awareness.
Q. I think it’s significant that we were able to take away 2 points even in such a tough match.
A, This is something that can only happen because of this regulation, but as the team talks about moving up, I think these 2 points are very important.
