11,000 people vs 30 people

"How to break through the thick defense...". This was a highlight about the day's match that appeared in the local newspaper's morning edition. Up until the previous match, Tokyo had conceded 11 goals, averaging just 0.7 goals per match, the lowest in the league. Naturally, the image that each opposing team has of Tokyo is 'thick defense' or 'solid defense'. On the other hand, Sapporo, led by Coach Okada, is a well-balanced team that excels in quick counterattacks after fierce defense. Although they are missing their ace Yoshihara, who is participating in the South American Championship as a member of the Japan national team, their attacking power, bolstered by two new foreign players, is formidable. Thus, the pre-match prediction highlighted how Sapporo would break through Tokyo's 'thick defense...'. Up until the previous match, Sapporo was in 5th place with 22 points. As Sapporo aims for promotion to J1, they are in a desperate situation where they cannot afford to lose, especially in a direct confrontation with 2nd place Tokyo. Having already lost to Tokyo in their first round matchup, it was expected that they would come back with fierce determination at home (Atsubetsu). The number of spectators who rushed to see this crucial match was an impressive 11,783. Among them, about 30 fans from Tokyo, including those who took the night train, joined over 11,000 local Sapporo fans. More than 90% of the stands were filled with Sapporo's color 'red', continuously cheering without rest. Atsubetsu Stadium was shaking in response to the cheers from behind the Sapporo goal, making the unique atmosphere of an 'away' game painfully palpable.

Enduring the fierce attack...

Supported by a large local fanbase, Sapporo launched a fierce attack right from the start. Sapporo cut off Tokyo's passes with intense pressing from the front line and broke down the left side with quick ball movement centered around midfielder Tanada and assist. On Tokyo's right side (which is Sapporo's left side) for this match, Komine replaced the injured Umebayashi, but in the first half, the combination with Sandro in the center was poor, leaving space for the opponent. This led to a difficult situation where crosses were repeatedly sent in from that area. Tokyo also tried to build up play with forward Amaral as a target, but the midfield could only produce inaccurate passes under Sapporo's intense pressing, which was close to fouls, making it hard to create any shape. Even the attacking participation of the favored full-backs was ineffective; although left-back Fujiyama occasionally showed sharp dribbling, there was no follow-up, and it was not enough to break through Sapporo's fierce fighting spirit. In the 25th minute, when goalkeeper Horiike was injured and had to leave the field, the team's morale dropped, and Sapporo's relentless attack gained momentum.

One-hit kill! Asari sinks rivals with a single blow from the left!!

Sapporo continued their fierce attack, but GK Suzuki, who replaced Horiike, demonstrated stable play despite it being his first appearance in J2. They managed to keep the first half goalless. In the second half, Tokyo changed the position of MF Yukihiro from the right to the center and tried to break through with a combination with Amaral. Sapporo's press also decreased compared to the first half, and gradually Yukihiro started to make good passes to the front line, giving Amaral opportunities to dribble forward. Defensively, Sandro and Furube dealt with Sapporo's relentless attacks from the sides. Sandro handled the heading balls, while Furube covered thoroughly. Thanks to the efforts of GK Suzuki, they didn't allow any goals. Enduring until the 69th minute, Asari confidently shot the ball that came loose from Amaral's dribble. The powerful shot from a distance of over 30 meters was absorbed into the lower left corner of the goal.

Afterwards, Sapporo showed their determination until the end, and even attempted to score a goal with the goalkeeper joining the attack during a corner kick, but Tokyo's "solid defense" never crumbled until the end. In the atmosphere of this away game, Tokyo endured the accident at Horiike and the fierce attacks, and although the performance was not satisfying, they achieved a very valuable victory.

＜Manager Okuma's comment＞ Perhaps due to the pressure from the opponent, our midfield organization was poor. Umayama's absence also disrupted the balance between offense and defense, so we want to make adjustments for the future. Although we are not satisfied with the content, it is significant that we were able to win in this difficult situation amidst this atmosphere.

＜Coach Okada's comment＞ The players showed their best performance of the season and proved that they are doing the right things. It's disappointing to lose, but I still believe that there is plenty of chance to make it to J1, and I have told the players not to lose hope.