Match Review
At Ajinomoto Stadium,the new autumn-spring season opener faces FC Machida Zelvia. The 2026/27 Meiji Yasuda J1 League season starts from here.
Before the match, Yuto Nagatomo held a press conference and announced his contract extension with the Blue-Red.After the FIFA World Cup 2026™, his future had been a focus of attention, but he said, "FC Tokyo is a beloved club, like a 'home' to me. I came back to win titles,but I haven't been able to bring anything to the team. I want to fight here to lift the trophy," and it was decided that the number 5 would rejoin the team as a member once again.
Also, just before kickoff, he stood pitchside and declared in his own words to the fans and supporters his determination to continue playing and to win the championship. A banner reading "Yuto Nagatomo, we won't let you retire until you win the title" was displayed behind the goal, and after greeting everyone, Nagatomo volunteered to be the chant leader, shouting "Tokyo is everything." The chant "Pour out your passion! Grab the championship!" echoed throughout the stadium, passionately energizing the Blue-Red eleven heading into this crucial opening match.
The team facing the opening match made one change from the international friendly against Borussia Dortmund held the previous week. The goalkeeper was Kim Seung-gyu, and the back line was composed of four players from right to left: Naruki Muroya, Alexander Scholz, Hayato Inamura, and Kento Hashimoto. The holding midfielders were Kento Hashimoto and Yu Takao, with attackers Keito Sato on the right and Kota Tawara on the left. The two forwards were Marcelo Hian and Mikiki Nagakura. Additionally, Shuto Nagano, who returned from a developmental loan, and new transfers Hirokazu Ishihara and Shion Honma were also named among the bench members.
Following the half-season, the new season is approached with the goal of “winning the championship.” First, they want to firmly take 3 points from Machida at home and use it as a springboard for a strong start. The midsummer opening match kicked off at 7:05 p.m. at Ajinomoto Stadium, gathering a large crowd of 36,336 spectators in the hot and humid conditions.
1st―Early Lead but Reduced to Numerical Disadvantage and Allowed a Comeback
Since both teams aim for the championship, an eager attitude was displayed right from the start. Amid intense exchanges between offense and defense, it was the Blue-Red who moved the game early on.
At 5 minutes after kickoff, from Kim's goal kick, Hian skillfully turned his body to face forward, and when Sato headed the ball forward, Hian shot through the opposing goalkeeper's legs to score the opening goal! Wearing number 9, he struck a lightning-fast shot to net the first goal of the 2026/27 season for the Blue-Red, successfully taking an early lead.
Tokyo continued to control the game. In the 14th minute of the first half, Hian broke free on a long through pass from Muroya and calmly chipped the ball into the goal with a one-touch finish, but it was ruled offside and disallowed. Even with VAR support, the decision remained unchanged, and the additional goal was not recognized.
Tokyo builds their attack from the back line, skillfully drawing the opposition in and supplying long balls into the forward spaces to create effective breakaways for their attackers. They increasingly maintain close ball control near the penalty area, limiting Machida’s freedom and extending their playtime in the opponent’s half.
In the 22nd minute of the first half, after a series of passes on the left side, Hian received the ball in the center and moved it to the right. Once again, Muroya played a vertical pass to the center, and Hian broke free and took a shot, but the decisive shot was stopped by the opponent’s fine save, preventing an additional goal.
Tokyo, eager to quickly add another goal during a good spell, conceded in the 27th minute of the first half after failing to fully mark Nakayama, who overlapped from the back line, allowing him to break into the near zone and deliver a cross that Duke headed in. The match was brought back to square one. It was a regrettable moment, especially since they had been effectively dealing with the opponent’s crosses up to that point.
In the back-and-forth battle that continued in the first half,at the 38th minute, Ken Hashimoto was sent off with a straight red card after sliding to win a loose ball.Forced to play with one less player, Tokyo made a substitution at the 42nd minute, bringing in Ishihara for Nagakura at left side back. They aimed for victory with a 4-3-2 system, placing Tak as the anchor, Hashimoto Ken and Tawara Tsukida as inside halves, and pushing Sato up to the front line.
In the 7 minutes of added time displayed for the first half, they were pushed back into their own half by the opponent's long ball, and in a situation where players switched positions inside the penalty area, Akimoto scored, resulting in a conceded goal. They allowed a comeback.
The first half ended with a score of 1-2. How to launch a counterattack and bring the game to a draw and then a comeback while being one player down. In the second half, a fighting spirit that does not give up and the ability to finish the few chances created will be required.
2nd―Pushing Forward butConceding Additional Goals and Losing
Tokyo, eager to somehow change the momentum and secure a victory in the opening match, saw head coach Rikizo Matsuhashi make a substitution at the start of the second half, replacing Tawaratsumida with Rio Omori,and adopting a 3-4-2 scramble system. Omori, Scholz, and Inamura lined up in the back three, with Ken Hashimoto and Takahashi as defensive midfielders, wing-backs Muya on the right and Ishihara on the left, and Hian and Sato forming the two forwards.
Despite being a hastily assembled system, both stoppers attempted to overlap like fullbacks, trying to launch a layered attack for Tokyo. In defending set pieces, everyone returned to their own half, pushing the mindset of not allowing any more goals. However, in the 6th minute of the second half, Soma scored directly from a free kick, delivering a painful additional goal to make it 1-3.
In addition to being at a numerical disadvantage,the team found itself in a tough situation, trailing by two goals, but they had to firmly respond to the passionate support and continuous singing from the fans and supporters. That determination was reflected on the pitch. When Scholz boldly advanced with dribbling and took a shot, Ishihara powerfully surged up the left side and delivered a sharp left-footed cross. Takahashi intercepted the ball high up the field, feinted past the opponent,and took a shot.
Tokyo tried to find a breakthrough for a counterattack through further substitutions,but at the 20th minute of the second half, when they were preparing a double substitution, Machida’s player Yengi broke through and scored the fourth goal. The lead was extended to three goals. Then, Hian and Ken Hashimoto were replaced by Kaede Yamada and Honma on the pitch.
Second half: In the 35th minute, Tokyo conceded a goal from a corner kick, making the score 1-5. Desperate to show their fighting spirit, Yamada aimed with his left foot at a cross from Ishihara, but unfortunately, it struck the left post.
The final substitution came at the 40th minute of the second half, with Teruto Nakagawa replacing Inamura, increasing the number of attackers and trying to show their fighting spirit. However, even during the 5 minutes of added time, they were unable to score a comeback goal, and the whistle signaling the end of the match was heard amid growing frustration.
From the start, the entire team displayed the soccer they had aimed for, creating many chances and scoring the opening goal, but the match situation drastically changed after falling into a numerical disadvantage. As a result, they ended up losing the opening game with an unexpected score.
However, just as the supporters behind the goal raised the energy once again and encouraged the team with little time remaining, the team must firmly reset their mindset and fight positively. The league season has only just begun. Using this frustration as fuel, they will demonstrate a rebound mentality and unite once again as one in blue and red to fight on—this opening match became a renewed vow to do just that.
Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q. Please give us your overall assessment of the match.
A. I think it was a very difficult start to the game. There were some good moments early on, but the time until we conceded was a bit too short. Although we had considered several countermeasures, being down to ten men meant we were beaten before those could settle into the team. Of course, there were also issues with tactics, system,and coordination, but not only did the numerical disadvantage directly lead to goals conceded, we also conceded repeatedly from set pieces, which made the game more difficult. Ultimately, it is regrettable that we couldn’t bounce back from that. However, the players never gave up until the end and played earnestly against what was given to them. Also, the cheers we received from the fans and supporters who came to the stadium today became our energy to move forward. We want to fully demonstrate that in the next game.
Q. You switched to a three-back formation in the second half and also changed the shape of the forward line. What was the intention behind that?
A. The idea was for the wing-back players to push forward aggressively while keeping the center tightly closed, and then try to intercept the ball from there. However, in the early stages, the spacing and the coordination regarding who in midfield would press and step out were not going very well.As we gradually improved from the middle of the game, the wing-backs started joining the attack and pushing forward, and even one of the three center-backs would move forward whenever there was a chance. The aim was to build up thickness from the sides, which led us to make that formation change.
Q. From early on, I think Marcelo Hyan made several runs behind the defense, creating chances. There were also some offsides, but was that style of attack executed as intended?
A. We anticipated that the opponent’s vertical shifts and the sliding of their defensive line caused by the wing backs moving out of position would create opportunities to effectively exploit the space behind them. Our players performed very well in that regard, and I believe we were able to execute that strategy effectively. On the other hand, because we were able to advance, there were moments when we rushed in too early and lost possession. If we had maintained better control of the ball, shaken the opponent more, and played in a more sustained pressing situation, I think we could have created even better attacks.
Q. Before the match, it was announced that Yuto Nagatomo has renewed his contract and will be fighting alongside us this season as well. In a challenging situation like today’s, I believe a presence like Nagatomo’s brings something important to the team. Could you please tell us again what you expect from Nagatomo this season?
A. I believe his strength will definitely become a strength for the club. Although he wasn’t able to show his influence during the match today, before the game he helped lift the atmosphere in the stadium and actively engaged with the players, contributing right away. It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t repay that with results. From here, I think he will improve his condition and compete firmly for his position. As before, and even more so, I want him to contribute to the team from now on.
Player Interview
HiroshiGao Player
Q, Looking back on today’s match, how do you feel about it?
A, Regarding the period when we were playing with eleven players from the start of the match, everyone felt a certain level of positive momentum. There were talks about this even after the game, and we had chances to score additional goals. I think the fact that we couldn’t finish those chances is everything. After one player was sent off, I believe there were still parts where we could have done more, but the timing of conceding the goal weighed heavily on us mentally.
Q. The start of the match saw rapid transitions between offense and defense, but you managed to score the opening goal from a good position. How did you feel about the early stages of the game?
A. We have been focusing on how to start the game since the training camp, so I think we got off to a good start. Players like Marcelo Huan and Keito Sato were very aware of making runs behind the defense. We used that well, which actually led to goals and chances. I believe we had some really good moments. In build-up play, there were many scenes where we successfully shook off the opponents, and everyone felt confident about it.
Q. Including the quick vertical attacks, were you able to create the intended shape until the player was sent off?
A. I think we were able to create the ideal shape to some extent. There were parts where we moved the ball according to plan. As the opponent closed the inside, we simply connected from the center back to the side back to peel off the opponent and then penetrated from there, so I think we did well in that regard. Including movements coming inside, we maintained a good balance and I felt potential for the future as well.
In a way, conceding one goal was within our expectations, but the timing of that goalwas unfortunate. It felt like everyone's spirits broke at that moment, so we need to regroup. We also conceded one goal while playing with eleven men, and since we practice sliding and dealing with crosses, I believe we need to do more to win.
Q, in the second half you switched to a three-back formation. Was this an improvised response rather than a prepared tactic?
A, yes. Being at a numerical disadvantage made it difficult since it wasn’t a formation we had trained for. There were some parts that went well, but we conceded three goals in the second half. Even if it was improvised, everyone needs to be on the same page, and with one player less, we just have to run more. I think there were more things we could have done ourselves.
Q、開幕戦は厳しい結果となりましたが、試合後にはファン・サポーターから優勝をめざしてもう一度ここから進んでいこうという思いも伝えられたと思います。あらためて、どのように受け止めていますか。
A、開幕戦でこのようなゲームをしてしまいました。上をめざすのであれば、このような結果は絶対に良くないですし、どのような状況でもしっかり勝点をとっていかなければいけません。ファン・サポーターのみなさんの気持ちはしっかりと伝わっています。次に向けてまた準備していきます。
Hirokazu ISHIHARA
Q、急きょ試合に出場することになりましたが、どのようなことを考えてプレーしましたか。
A、本当に急だったので、特に準備していたわけではありませんでした。まずは守備で失点しないようにすることを考えて、あとは特に何かを考え過ぎずに入りました。
Q. Even after conceding the second goal, you were seen clapping your hands to encourage the team. What were you thinking at that moment?
A. We absolutely must not give up, and whether we are ten men or whatever, we have to keep playing. There seemed to be chances, or rather, gaps that we could have exploited, so I think it would have been better if we had taken advantage of them, but unfortunately, we conceded again. Even so, I felt that we had to do it for the people who came to support us today. I think I was able to show an attitude of encouragement, or a spirit of "let’s do this together," so that no one would lose their fighting spirit on the pitch.
Q. As an individual, we saw you carrying the ball forward and making passes, trying to lead the team from the back. On the other hand, it seemed that this did not quite connect with the overall flow of the team. How do you perceive this?
A. With only five players, the difficulty in maintaining proper spacing was a factor, and it had also been a while since I played on the left side myself. There were quite a few noticeable moments where my passes sideways were off target. Even in tough situations, I believe that such a single pass must be completed, even if the distance is longer. When playing with ten men, it is necessary to increase the accuracy of play as much as possible and to run more than the opponent. I think I managed the running part, but perhaps it was a bit insufficient.
Q. With more defenders and fewer defensive midfielders, the system and positional balance changed, which I imagine brought some difficulties. How did you feel about this on the pitch?
A. I think probably no one was very accustomed to playing in that formation. We talked about how far the wing-backs should go and at what timing, but if we were going to hold out, we needed to form a more solid block. We should have communicated more clearly about those points. It was an irregular formation, so there were difficulties, but I believe it will lead to improvement. Having played with ten men today, I think everyone now understands what to do if a similar situation arises again.
Q. What kind of conversations did you have among the players after the match?
A. Since it was only the first match, we talked about switching gears and moving forward. Another match is coming up soon. We won’t blame anyone for the outcome of the battle; we want to keep facing forward firmly and continue supporting each other as a team.
Q. With the competition for the fullback position becoming even more intense, how do you view having gotten the opportunity to play today?
A. Results are everything, and conceding so many goals today led to a poor outcome for the team. More important than individual matters is what we need to do next as a team to win the championship. I don’t think in terms of "I played in that match," and I believe it’s also my job to create an atmosphere where everyone can keep looking forward and moving ahead together. I want to focus firmly on those aspects and keep working on them.
Q. The competition for positions has become very intense. How do you face this competition?
A. I came here to compete, so I personally find it very enjoyable. Each player has a different character, and I believe that whoever plays can perform in the J1 League; we have top-level players gathered here. I think it’s something that can really ignite my passion for growth, and as a competition, it will be very interesting as well.
Q, I think that competition can further accelerate growth. What do you think you need to do now, or what do you want to improve?
A, I can play on both sides, so first I want to show that I can perform well on the left. Of course, I believe there will be opportunities on the right as well, and when that time comes, I want to fully express my strongest qualities and what I can do. Rather than trying to develop something new from now, I want to prepare so that I can fully utilize my strengths. I believe I prepared well today, and although I played on the left, I never felt like I couldn’t get into the game, so I want to keep a positive attitude about that.
Q. What do you think will be necessary from now on to lead the team to victory?
A. Since there are many young players, first of all, the older generation players need to firmly take the lead. Also, I think it’s important how strongly the young players and those who are not captains can feel the determination of "I will take the lead." In terms of football skills, we have very good players gathered. That’s why the mental aspect, the mentality, is crucial. For example,Kashima Antlers have a winner’s mentality where no matter how many goals they concede, they believe "we can win." I think that kind of mentality is necessary.
