Finally, on April 29th (Fri, holiday), Tokyo will play its first J-League match at the new Japan National Stadium.
At the old National Stadium, we have played many official matches since the first year of J-League membership. There have been memorable super plays and impactful events. Since achieving the long-awaited title, Tokyo has won all titles at the National Stadium, symbolizing the deep connection between Tokyo and the National Stadium.
Our National Stadium.
Before taking a new step at the National Stadium, let's look back on the footprints and memories that have been left at the previous National Stadium, along with photos from that time.
At the end of a year fighting against uncertainty in 2021
[Match Information]
2020 J.League YBC Levain Cup Final
FC Tokyo 2-1 Kashiwa Reysol
2020 was a year in which people around the world were chased by uncontrollable accidents. It was a year in which we continued to fight against the uncertainties caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus infection.
That's why the Levain Cup final, which took place on January 4, 2021 at the new Japan National Stadium, brought a lot of joy.
The first title in 11 years for the club was the first title under the guidance of coach Kenta HASEGAWA, and it was also the first final round at the new Japan National Stadium... a series of firsts.
However, along with the joy, there must have been a strong sense of relief and deep emotions for the coach and players that the season was able to be held safely and they were able to fight through it. After the match, Masato Morishige also expressed his honest feelings, saying, "I am relieved along with the happiness. Right now, these are the only two emotions I have."
Looking back, it's autumn.
In the semifinals of the Levain Cup, Shuto ABE scored two goals and Adailton sealed the victory with a goal, leading Nagoya Grampus, coached by Massimo FICCADENTI, to a resounding win. In the semifinals, they shut out Kawasaki Frontale with two goals, including a free kick by Leandro.
And I think we were thinking that winning in the final in November would give us momentum for the AFC Champions League (ACL) to be held in Qatar...
However, just before the final, a cluster occurred in the opponent team, Kashiwa Reysol, and the final round was postponed to January 4th of the following year.
There was also a bright topic that there would be a chance for Keigo Higashi, who had recovered from injury, to play in the postponed match. On the other hand, Diego OLIVEIRA was injured in the AFC Champions League. Above all, the team was exhausted from the ACL and the final stages of the league, so it felt like a daunting task to gather strength once again for this one match.
Nevertheless, the team continues to prepare with composure and high concentration.
On January 4th, the new Japan National Stadium still has a New Year's atmosphere.
There was no need to worry about how far they could go. Tokyo is thriving in a unique atmosphere similar to the Emperor's Cup. And, as if dedicating it to their big brother Diego, Leandro with dreadlocks and Adailton score to put Kashiwa in the distance.
With the outstanding performance of Brazilian players who symbolize Kenta HASEGAWA Tokyo, we finished the season with a championship by giving our all and running through until the end.
It's never easy. But at "Our National Stadium," we will definitely win. Focus on the game in front of us, sincerely and with all our strength... There may be various factors for victory, but isn't that what makes it all Tokyo-like?
By the way, Coach Kenta Hasegawa said, "By winning one title, it brings us closer to other titles." Okay, let's get even closer from here on.
Text by Yū Fujiwara (Freelance Writer)
