Match Review
The fate-deciding five-match series of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League. In the opening game, Tokyo faced Mito Hollyhock at Ajinomoto Stadium.
For Tokyo, who had no match last weekend due to schedule changes,this was their first game since the April 11 match against Yokohama F.Marinos. In the previous away match on March 14, they struggled against the opponent's high press and solid block but ultimately secured victory in a penalty shootout. Since intense battles are expected in various phases on the pitch this time as well, the players will likely be required to make quick and accurate decisions in both offense and defense.
Determined to win this crucial match, the Blue-Red selected the same lineup as the previous game. The goalkeeper was Kim Seung-gyu, with the back line consisting of four players from right to left: Sei MUROYA, Alexander SCHOLZ, Hayato INAMURA, and Kento HASHIMOTO. The midfield duo was Kento HASHIMOTO and Kota TOKIWA. The attackers were Keito SATO on the right and Keita ENDO on the left, with Marcelo Hian positioned at the front and Ryunosuke SATO playing in a role close to the attacking midfielder.
Also, Masato MORISHIGE was included on the bench for the first time since Sec. 3 against Kawasaki Frontale. This match, where a full 90-minute victory was absolutely necessary to put pressure on the top-ranked Kashima Antlers, who were trailing by 6 points, kicked off at 7:03 p.m. as “Kin J.”
1st―Conceding the first goal, but continuing to press forward, they take a 2-goal lead.
From a back-and-forth situation, Tokyo seized the pace and launched a relentless attack on Mito's goal. In the 10th minute of the first half, Inamura intercepted in his own half and powerfully carried the ball forward over a long distance before delivering a through pass. Sato Kei quickly accelerated and ran in, but was blocked by an opposing defender just before reaching the ball.
Immediately after, Lukian broke free on a through pass from Keigo Sato and flicked the ball in with his right foot, but it went just wide to the left of the goal. Then, at the 11th minute, again showing excellent coordination on the right side, Muroya broke through and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot. Although it was stopped by the opposing goalkeeper, Tokyo continued to demonstrate sharp and forceful attacks consecutively from both the left and right flanks.
However, a brief lapse allowed the opening goal. In the 17th minute of the first half, after the opponent's long throw flowed to the opposite side, they allowed a vertical breakthrough, and Danilo, who had moved into the near post, was pinpointed for the goal. Despite controlling the match, they ended up trailing by one goal.
Following this goal, there was a period where Mito's high press intensified, but Tokyo also shaped their attacks through rotations between the right side and defensive midfielders, as well as one-touch plays involving multiple players. Even when losing possession, they immediately regained the ball to pull the momentum of the match back in their favor.
Tokyo tries to break through with direct play from vertical penetrating passes. At 35 minutes into the first half, the Blue-Red, once again taking control of the game, scores a brilliant equalizing goal.
When Scholz cleared the opponent's vertical pass directly forward, Lucas RIAN broke through here and fired a spectacular shot with his right foot from outside the penalty area—a super goal! With this powerful strike that shook the stadium, Tokyo brought the match back to square one.
Then, at 43 minutes into the first half, Tokyo scored the long-awaited go-ahead goal. What brought this about was the players’ consistently high awareness and fighting spirit. After connecting passes through Scholz and Muroya and delivering the ball into vertical space, Keigo Sato dashed fiercely. When the opponent, under pressure, made a desperate back pass to their goalkeeper, Ryunosuke Sato closed in, and the ball that spilled loose was targeted by Keigo Sato! The attacker, who fought fiercely for every ball and repeatedly kept facing forward without giving up, struck with his left foot, and Tokyo succeeded in turning the game around.The attacker, who fought fiercely for every ball and repeatedly kept facing forward without giving up, struck with his left foot, and Tokyo succeeded in turning the game around.
Furthermore, in first-half stoppage time, Lukian was fouled inside the area after aiming for a finish from a through pass by Ryunosuke Sato, earning a penalty kick. Lukian calmly converted it with his right foot,extending the lead to two goals before halftime.Scoring an additional goal at a good moment, the team went into the break leading 3-1.
2nd―Momentum UnstoppableMuroya’s Powerful Strike andRyunosuke’sGoal SecureComfortable Victory
In a pre-match interview, Kento HASHIMOTO said, "Rather than blindly targeting behind, we want to properly create space and go after the back. We want to intentionally draw the opponent in and take the back, and also be mindful of positioning to secure second balls." Ending the first half with this approach,we entered the second half with a two-goal lead. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI made a formation change, substituting Keita ENDO with Teruhito NAKAGAWA as one of the two forwards and moving Ryunosuke SATO to the left attacker position.
Even after entering the second half, Tokyo continued to dominate the match by mixing possession and counterattacks. They sped up their offense by inserting vertical passes from a drawn-back position and simply choosing to move forward. They smoothly advanced into the opponent’s territory and launched attacks on the Mito goal.
In the second halfat the 18th minute, Ryunosuke Sato used quick stepsto evade two defenders and carry the ball up to the front of the goal, then took a right-footed shot. He created a decisive chance with a brilliant breakthrough, but the finish went over the crossbar and did not result in a goal. Ryunosuke Sato held his head in disappointment at the missed opportunity and returned to his position.
Tokyo continued to create more chances. In the 23rd minute of the second half, following a corner kick, Muroya picked up the loose ball, took it to the right, and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot to score the fourth goal! With a super middle-distance strike, compactly and precisely hitting the near post, he extended the score to 4-1.
Conceding a goal immediately afterward is something to reflect on, but Tokyo's powerful attack shows no signs of stopping. Then, in the 30th minute of the second half, a long-awaited goal was born for Ryu Sato. Lucas RIAN made a strong breakthrough down the left side and passed to the center, where Kei Sato ran into the space created by drawing defenders away and scored! The young warrior in blue and red, who had been involved in many chances, finally netted his much-anticipated goal.
Wanting to firmly close out the match, Tokyo fought hard with Inamura and substitute Rio OMORI throwing their bodies into sliding blocks during dangerous moments. At the 38th minute of the second half, Fuki YAMADA and Leon NOZAWA were brought onto the pitch, replacing Hian and Kei SATO. At the 43rd minute of the second half, a switch was made from Inamura to Morishige.Ajinomoto Stadium greeted number 3 with great applause as he made his first official appearance of the season.
Even during the 5 minutes of second-half stoppage time, the Blue-Red Eleven did not stop moving, continuously denying the opponent freedom with aggressive pressing from the front line until the final whistle. Although there was an avoidable goal conceded, the match unfolded as planned, resulting in a commanding victory with a season-high 5 goals. With a goal difference improved by 3, they splendidly secured a win in the crucial first game of the important five-match series that will determine the fate of the special tournament.
MATCH DETAILS
Detailed match data is available here
Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q. Please give us a summary of today's match.
A. I think it was a game where we can be evaluated for scoring 5 goals and our attacking play. Regarding the 2 goals conceded, there were some careless and cheap moments, but I believe we created momentum that will carry over to the next match while properly improving those areas. It was a difficult game, but we want to prepare well for the next match so that we can build on these 3 points.
Q. Please tell us about the aim and relationship of the two forwards, Marcelo RYAN and Ryunosuke SATO.
A. Looking at the results, there is that aspect,but I believe there is still a long way to go. I feel it would be even better if their roles and relationship had a bit more fluidity, to the extent that it involves the wingers as well. However, I think as the matches progress, they have been able to create good flow while observing each other’s positions. Building on that foundation, not only the relationship between the two but also solid connections with the wingers, midfielders, and fullbacks, creating relationships and fluidity, will make it even better.
Q. I think the scenes where we conceded goals were not very good. Looking back, what are your thoughts?
A. Rather than calling it a waste, these were goals that we could have prevented because they were parts we had prepared for in rehearsals and had been building up on. Preventing the opponent from easily delivering cross balls, and dealing with set plays and flows from long throws, as well as central players being pushed forward by the opponent. We have been addressing these issues and there were increasing scenes in matches where we successfully responded, but despite that, such situations appeared again as the games progressed.
Regarding the second goal conceded,it came just after Sei MUROYA scored a goal following a very aggressive play. I spoke with him, and at that exact moment, he was running on empty, so it was really unfortunate. However, even in such situations, if he had made a good decision—whether to go for it himself or to firmly hold the ball, or to use the space behind to prevent the opponent from getting the ball—that goal would not have happened. It may seem like a small mistake, but I actually feel it is a significant issue, so we need to firmly address it now to ensure we never have to painfully realize it in the future.
Player Interview
Marcelo RYAN
Q,You scored a goal to even the match during a difficult period after conceding the opening goal.
A, Until we conceded,we had chances but couldn’t finish them. Conceding in that situation created a somewhat unpleasant atmosphere, but we stayed focused and kept playing. During that time, I was able to score and bring the game back to a tie. Ultimately, we managed to turn the game around, and I think that goal helped us regain composure. Personally,scoring 2goals was a good outcome for me.
Q,It was a powerful shot,the firstgoal—could you please look back on that scoring scene?
A,At first, I intended to take on a one-on-one challenge, but I felt there was time and space to shoot, so I changed my decision midway and took the shot. I connected well, so I was able to score a wonderful goal.
Q, How was your second goal from the penalty kick?
A,Last season,I missedtwopenalty kicks. There were not many occasions where I took penalties. Today, since I was awarded a penalty, I took it myself. I’m glad I was able to score.
Q,You not only scored a goal but also provided an assist. How was your coordination with your teammates?
A,We always maintain good communication. Especially Kento HASHIMOTO, who is left-footed, consistently delivers good passes into the space behind the opponent’s defense. In the assist scene, the pass came just as I was speeding away, allowing me to evade the opponent. In that moment, I was able to calmly look at the player in the center, chose to pass, and he finished it.
Q,Please tell us about your new hairstyle and the celebration after your goal.
A,I decided to try this hairstyle myself, and I think my wife liked it more this time than when I had blonde hair before. I performed that celebration partly to show off this new hairstyle.
Player Kei Sato
Q,There were many plays where your feelings came through. What kind of mindset did you have going into the match?
A,I played with the sole focus of putting pressure on the Kashima Antlers.
Q,That scoring scene involved an incredible run.
A,That goal was possible because Ryunosuke SATO came to support me; I couldn't have scored it alone. It was a goal achieved thanks to the team's awareness of quick transitions and high pressing.
Q,All the goals scored today were wonderful. Scoring5 goalsin the first match of a series and winning comfortably will surely lead to the next step, won’t it?
A,It’s quite significant. In terms of goal difference, I think it will be a deciding factor for the championship in the end.We have to scoreas many goals as possible. On the other hand, conceding 2 goals in today’s match is something we regret. It was truly a wasteful concession. As a team, we need to thoroughly refine our defensive intensity and the way we pass on marking responsibilities again, otherwise we won’t be able to win this series of matches. We want to work hard on that.
Q,Today, you seemed to effectively exploit the space behind Mito Hollyhock, didn’t you?
A,Today, we were very clear-minded. At first, we aggressively targeted the space behind them, and there were also moments when gaps opened between the lines. We effectively used one-twos in vertical relationships on the sides to shake off opponents, and we were able to bypass them with simple passes. I think we were able to do more of what we wanted compared to the last match. Because of that,I believe the 5 goalswere possible. I think this is an area that was corrected compared to last time.
Q,Isn't this proof that you were able to properly change your decisions by observing the situation and the opponent?
A,There are still areas where I need to improve the speed and quality of my decisions, and not everything was perfect, but I think the number of good decisions is gradually increasing.
Q,Kashima also won today. How will you catch up?
A,We can only win. Improving our goal difference even slightly adds pressure, and I believe a chance will definitely come at some point. We cannot afford to drop any points from here on, so we want to keep pushing forward to firmly seize that opportunity.
Q,What kind of performance do you want to demonstrate individually in that context?
A,Of course, I think goals and assists are important statistics, but since I play as a side midfielder, defense is also crucial. Conceding2 goals like todayis unacceptable, and I believe I need to increase my defensive intensity. Kashima does not concede goals. If you don’t concede, you don’t lose, and right now the whole team has confidence in scoring, so I absolutely want to avoid conceding any goals.
Q, In the previous match, Sei MUROYA missed a shot from a pass by Keito SATO, but this time he firmly scored a shot.
A, I guess he reflected on it (laughs). He said it was a career high, even though it’s only half a season (laughs). MUROYA will definitely score, so I want him to score even more.
Ryunosuke SATO
Q. The result was 5-2, but looking back over the 90 minutes, how was it?
A. From the first half, we really created good chances and overall I think we dominated, but conceding on the few chances we gave up is an issue we need to address moving forward.
Q,Regarding your own performance, your condition was good, and your sharpness and intensity were also there.
A, my physical condition is gradually improving, and the coordination between players in positions is getting better.I am also motivated for this series of matches, and I think we got off to a good start.
Q, just before scoring in the second half, there was a very close chance.
A, if you don’t finish the goal, nothing will remain, I think. .That play of taking on the opponent and getting past them right in front of the goal is my strength, so next time I want to stay calm, save my energy until the end, and finish it off, I think.
Q, Does being able to create such chance scenes mean that you are in a good rhythm?
A, Yes, that's right. I think various things accumulated leading up to the goal scene, and the ball came to me. I believe so. I was able to control myself and play well during the match.
Q, The goal scene was also a shape the team was aiming for.
A, I received the ball firmly, and with a good break, Lucas RIAN broke through, creating space. Other players also came into the area in front of the goal and it was truly a good attack.
Q, Should the team reflect on conceding two goals?
A, In the sense that we shouldn’t get carried away, it can be seen positively, and while keeping a clean sheet is obviously ideal, we have scored goals, so I think it’s also necessary to focus on that.
Q. The next match against Kashiwa Reysol will be a chance for revenge from the last encounter.
A. They are a skilled opponent, and we lost in terms of content in the previous match. Since then, many parts of our team have improved, so we want to show that.
Sei MUROYA
Q: How do you review the game?
A: We are good at open games like today’s, so although there was a lot of space to defend, I felt we had the advantage in attack. It got a bit rough at times, but I think we were able to fully show our strengths.
Q,In previous matches, there were times when the attack struggled, but what was the reason you were able to score many goals today?
A, until now,we tended to be too cautious in defense, but today we took risks and played an open style from our side, so as a result, I think the attack functioned well.
Q,I think it was a good match, the kind of game we wanted to see at home.
A,Yes, that's right. I personally enjoyed playing, and although everyone was so focused on attacking that the defense became too open at times, I think overall we were able to play a good match.
Q, please tell us about the scoring scene.
A,That is a scoring pattern I have practiced quite a bit and am confident with. I can shoot to either the near or far post from the same shooting stance, so it is a style I am comfortable with. Since it’s just a matter of using the instep to direct the ball to the near or far post, this time I felt there was a bit of space open near the near post, so I tried to strike it strongly. I don’t really remember it well myself, so I want to watch the footage slowly later.
I didn’t always intend to score goals, but I had talked about wanting to make a difference in this area, so I think I was able to be heavily involved in the attack as planned. I believe it is the result of daily effort.
Q,As captain, you have shown strength in one-on-one situations. How do you feel about that yourself?
A,I think it is the result of all11 players, includingthose who come on as substitutes, working hard. I believe it’s not just me, but the entire team doing this together.
Q, what is the reason for your increased participation in the attack?
A,I have been moving up to the forward position more often, but the risk is well covered by Kyota TOKIWA and Kento HASHIMOTO, and Alexander SCHOLZ also positions himself effectively. Thanks to that, I feel I am able to create time to play up front. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI gives me freedom in the attacking aspect, so although there is risk, I feel I am able to create chances up front as well.
I am enjoying playing soccer and learning every day, which I believe is the result of Coach Matsuhashi taking the time to build the team. Today’s open game showed everyone’s desire to score goals, so I’m glad we were able to present such an enjoyable match.
Q, what are your thoughts on the goals conceded?
A, they were regrettable goals to concede.Especiallythe second goal,which came immediately after I scored. We were in a situation where we had to cover a large amount of space, but even so, we must properly tighten up where necessary. I will seriously reflect on this and prepare for the next match.
Q, how do you evaluate the victory with 5 goals scored?
A, it is a good result for us, but I think it is important to keep accumulating 3 points in order to stay close to the top teams. I believe it has been a while since we had a match with 5 goals scored, so if the fans watching enjoyed it, that would be great.
Kento HASHIMOTO
Q, although we conceded 2 goals,it was a wonderful match where we scored 5 goals.
A,I think it was a good performance throughout the game and a good victory. However, there were moments when we were caught out, and especially conceding the opening goal showed that we exposed some weaknesses.
Q,weren't you able to successfully lure the opponent in and then exploit the space behind, as you discussed the day before the match?
A,We were able to build up well by connecting passes at our feet and targeting the space behind while watching the opponent, and I think we managed to do things that annoyed the opponentfor the full 90 minutes.
Q,In the previous match, you struggled with their high press, but this time you were able to play without letting the opponent show their strengths, right?
A,We didn’t lose in individual battles, and we were able to effectively exploit the opponent’s weaknesses. Before the match, Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI said, "Let’s dominate and win," so I think we were able to embody that.
Q,while the coordination on the right side was excellent, didn’t the rotation to maintain balance and cover the space on the side also work well?
A,There were many occasions where I had the ball facing forward, so I need to be more conscious about creating chances and scoring goals. (Regarding the scene where I took the ball out and took a mid-range shot) I will practice more (laughs).
