Match Review & Preview

Review of the Previous Match vs. Kashima Antlers

The final regional league round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League against Kashima Antlers, who unfortunately lost the chance to overturn and win the championship. Yuto NAGATOMO, selected for the Japan national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Kim Seung-gyu, announced as part of the South Korean national team, were both left out of the bench, but this match became an opportunity to firmly demonstrate the progress made so far by securing a victory with the pride and determination of the blue and red.

From the start, Tokyo showed a strong defensive awareness as a team, pressing the opponent with immediate ball recovery and press-back tactics. They truly expressed the “Tokyo style” on the pitch by linking solid defense to effective offense, fighting hard while blending build-up play from their own half with sharp counterattacks. Defensively, they managed the game without allowing Kashima any clear chances as time progressed.

The Blue Reds went into the halftime break with the score still goalless and continued to show their strengths unchanged after the break. Against Kashima, who increased their pressure from the front line, they avoided the press with one-touch passes that cleverly adjusted angles and distances from the back line. They carefully connected passes in tight spaces while looking for scoring opportunities.

However, in the 35th minute of the second half, they were caught off guard for a moment. In midfield, Chinen skillfully intercepted the ball and took possession, then carried it forward and played a through pass, allowing Murooka, who had come on as a substitute, to break free and score. It was a goal that broke the situation instantly, just like Kashima, and they fell behind by one goal.

In the final stages, Tokyo, aiming for a comeback, launched attacks with Keito Sato’s long-range shot and Marcelo RYAN’s sharp strike, but neither bore fruit. The match ended 0-1 as it was. As a result, Tokyo finished second in the EAST group, and in the playoff round of the same tournament starting May 30, they will face Cerezo Osaka, who finished second in the WEST group, to compete for third and fourth place in the overall standings.

This Week's Preview

A match to compete for the highest possible position to reach.

This season, Cerezo Osaka has embraced 'Attacking Football,' and after some trial and error, they secured three consecutive wins in the final stages to sneak into second place at the last moment. Head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI said, "We have also been closely watching the games in the WEST group," and shared his impressions as follows.

“They give the impression of playing very aggressive and detail-oriented collective soccer both offensively and defensively. They incorporate fluid movements and arrange themselves in a way that makes it difficult to mark players, so we want to face them with a compact formation. If we can apply pressure at the point of ball recovery, it will lead to one of our strengths, the short counterattack. If the opponent is wary of that, we also want to be well prepared for secondary options. Since there are similarities between the teams, I think it will come down to which side can control the tempo and rhythm of the match.”

There are players absent from this playoff round due to national team duties. The coach expressed his expectations for the players stepping in, saying, "Rather than just filling the gaps, I believe they can bring a different kind of color to the team."

Hayate TANAKA, who also took the pitch in the final match of the EAST group, was one of those eagerly awaiting these two matches. He had envisioned passing through as the leader and taking everything in the Final Round, but that did not come to fruition.

However, hearing 'You’ll never walk alone.' resonate throughout Mercari Stadium in the final round, he found renewed motivation.

“Above all, even though we missed out on the championship, there are fans and supporters who cheer us on until the very end. They will surely lend us their strength in the match against Cerezo Osaka as well. For their sake, I want to keep fighting until the very end. I want these two matches to be ones that give them hope for the next season.”

The preparations are complete.

"Personally, I want to channel everything I felt during the Kashima Antlers match, the frustration I've held inside all season, and all the pent-up emotions. Even so, my strength lies in being able to calmly choose my plays. I want to express that. I had hoped this would be the match to decide the championship, but regardless, I want to be the one to close out this special tournament."

Boldly charging into YANMAR HANASAKA STADIUM and bringing back 3 points. The key player for this will be the blue and red number 1.

Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI

Q. You will be playing consecutive matches against Cerezo Osaka within a short period. How do you plan to approach these games?
A. This season, we have also faced FC Machida Zelvia and Yokohama F.Marinos within relatively short intervals, so I don’t see this as something unusual. Therefore, rather than trying to anticipate the opponent’s moves, it is important to focus on how we fight in the match right in front of us, and then think about what comes next afterward.

Q. There were no matches against each other in the Regional League Round, but what is your impression of the current Cerezo Osaka?
A. It’s not just since the match-up was decided; I have also been watching the WEST Group games closely. There were times when their momentum seemed to wane, but they recovered from that and have climbed up the rankings. I think they are a team that plays very aggressive and well-organized collective soccer, with attention to detail in both offense and defense.

Q. I think they are a team with strong attacking power when they get into a rhythm, but how do you plan to repel their offensive strength?
A. It’s important not to get too caught up in their pace. They use fluid movements and take positions that are hard to mark, but if we maintain compactness and apply strong pressure to win the ball at the right moments, we can then connect to one of our weapons, the short counterattack. If the opponent becomes wary of that, we can consider secondary attacking options. Since both teams have similar aspects, I think the key will be which side can control the tempo and rhythm.

Q: Although it is only a half-season, we are entering the final stages, and due to injuries and the absence of national team players, some players will have new opportunities to play. What are your expectations for them?
A: There may be players who have not had many opportunities to play who will be included in the squad, but judging from how the players usually prepare, they are always well-prepared no matter the situation. Whoever plays, I don’t see it as a concern or just filling a gap; rather, I believe they will bring a different color to the team than before.

Q. Among them, goalkeeper Hayate TANAKA, who played in the final round of the Regional League Ground, has had few opportunities to play but has prepared well. How do you see him as a coach?
A. Truly, the word that comes to mind is 'wonderful.' He constantly faces himself and works hard, and I feel that he grows by observing those around him and incorporating good things. I also talk with the goalkeeper coach, and sometimes I get asked questions as well, but I believe he is showing his own strengths—qualities that Kim Seung-gyu does not have—through his creativity and ingenuity. He is not imitating anyone nor acting as a substitute; by expressing his own style firmly, he is contributing to the team.

Q. There is a significant difference in prize money and other rewards between 3rd and 4th place, but how will you approach the playoff round?
A. Honestly, we’re not focusing on that. Those things will come afterward. First, we want to be ourselves, firmly apply what we have built up so far against Cerezo Osaka, aim for victory, and show plays at the stadium that increase our chances of winning. I believe it is important to fight with the passion to draw that outcome closer.

Player Interview

Hayate TANAKA

Q. The match against Kashima Antlers was your first competitive appearance in a while. It wasn’t a game with many defensive situations, so wasn’t it a difficult match for you as a goalkeeper?
A. Looking back over the full 90 minutes, I felt very frustrated. There are various opinions about Kashima’s style of play and the match content, but it was something I had understood to some extent. Even though I didn’t get playing time during the consecutive matches, I knew that Kim Seung-gyu wouldn’t be available for the last two or three games, so even though I didn’t know how many matches I would get to play, my desire to win was very strong. For me, it didn’t matter if it was gritty or anything else—I was solely focused on winning. Although we lost the Kashima match, being able to play calmly is probably one of my strengths, so I want to keep focusing on that going forward.

Q. Given the limited playing opportunities, are there any difficulties in coordinating with the field players?
A, Not having played in matches for half a year and lacking communication during actual games is certainly a challenge. However, making excuses about that won’t help, so I have to firmly do the work I can. Naturally, during practice, we communicate about what we want in certain situations, and I believe that carries over directly into the matches.

Q: You mentioned the word "calm" earlier. How are you preparing for the upcoming match against Cerezo Osaka after the game against Kashima Antlers?
A: Indeed, the top teams in the J1 League possess quality in the finishing phase. While how we defend is important, it ultimately comes down to keeping a clean sheet. Even if that’s not possible, my job is to concede fewer goals than the opponent by at least one. I want to try to achieve that in the next two matches.

Q. What kind of impression do you have of C Osaka? They finished the regular season with three consecutive wins and seem to have momentum.
A. Players like Nakajima and Yokoyama left a strong impression from their performances in the J2 League, and I get the impression that the team has many players who can express various ideas. I think they do have the momentum from winning three straight games so far, and since the first match will be at their home, they will likely make good use of that. On the other hand, our strength is also in fast-paced attacks similar to theirs, so we want to make sure to bring that out firmly. However, if the game becomes too open, it might bring out their strengths, so I think we need to control the match ourselves throughout. Above all, we are committed to keeping a clean sheet and conceding fewer goals than the opponent. We will focus on that and absolutely win.

Kota TAWARATSUMIDA

Q. You have been coming on as a substitute recently. What do you focus on when entering the match?
A. I enter the game with the determination to absolutely change the flow. I especially focus on plays directed toward the goal, always thinking about delivering a complete cross or finishing with a shot. I believe that if I consciously express these actions, the flow will inevitably change.

Q, although your playing time has been limited, how do you feel about your coordination with those around you?
A, Kento HASHIMOTO supports me in a way that makes it easier for me to play. Besides that, I also talk a lot with Hayato INAMURA. They understand my characteristics well, so there are no issues with our coordination. Overall, communication has increased, and I myself have been able to communicate with more people than before.

Q, the team has not been able to score in two consecutive matches.
A, I think we are lacking composure in the final moments. Also, if we can increase the number of players entering the penalty area, I believe our chances of scoring will improve.

Q, what is your impression of Cerezo Osaka?
A, they have a very strong offensive image. Against such an opponent, I think it is necessary to defend firmly. I want to communicate well and call out to the players behind me as we play. Whether I start or come on as a substitute is still unknown, but I always want to play proactively aiming for goals.

Q, the last two games of this season have arrived.
A, I want to make these last two matches meaningful for the next season by winning both games and finishing the league on a high note. Please fight alongside us. We appreciate your support.