Challenging the Tama River Clasico in an all-out battle

　Sec. 10 will face Kawasaki Frontale and invade the away Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium. Kawasaki has a history of numerous fierce battles since the JFL era. Taking that into consideration, it was named the "Tama River Clasico" as a "traditional match" across the Tama River, and this time it is counted as the 11th edition. The head-to-head record since 1999 (J2) is 3 wins, 5 draws, and 2 losses for Tokyo. Especially in the J1 matches, Tokyo has an advantage with 3 wins and 3 draws. Currently, Kawasaki is performing well in the league, but today's match is expected to be a heated battle with pride at stake, and it will be a crucial match that cannot be lost.

　Tokyo, Kanazawa is out due to injury. Therefore, the defensive line consists of Shigeki and Konno as center-backs, and Fujiyama as left-back, making their first start of the season. Shigeki has not played since October 28th last year (Sec. 29 against Urawa). Despite the short preparation period as a starter in consecutive matches, he said, "I feel responsible for the team's performance. I want to do my best and win." Also, considering the condition, Wanchope starts on the bench. Lucas will lead the front line, and Baba will play as an attacking midfielder.

　Kawasaki, on the other hand, is currently in 6th place with 4 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses. This season, they have been participating in the ACL, which has led to a more challenging schedule in Asia than in the J-League. In the past two matches where MF Nakamura was absent, they drew against Chiba and lost to Yokohama FM. In this match, MF Maginun is suspended and FW Ganaha is also expected to be on the bench, so it can be said that they are in a difficult situation. However, MF Nakamura will be returning in this match. MF Ohashi, who will be starting for the first time, will take the place of MF Maginun in the attacking midfield, and they will approach the match with a 3-5-2 formation. The attacking line is already strong, with MF Nakamura as the focal point, and they pose a powerful threat in their offensive play, so caution is necessary.

　Tokyo, which is concerned about its scoring ability, wants to create chances from the fluid movement in the midfield and side changes that it showed glimpses of in the previous match. They want to take risks and commit numbers to the attack, such as pushing up Fukunishi. Both teams suffered losses in the previous match, and they want to avoid consecutive defeats in this crucial match. They will challenge with a challenger's spirit and aim for victory in the "Clasico" with an all-out effort.

Conceded 4 goals in quick succession from Kawasaki's counterattacks

　On the final Sunday of Golden Week, the match started at 16:04 with Kawasaki's kickoff in unfortunate weather with heavy rain. Right after the start, Kawasaki took the lead with a goal. In the 2nd minute, Fukunishi of Kawasaki stole the ball in their own half and passed it to Ishikawa. Ishikawa ran up to the opponent's half, but was intercepted by Kawasaki's defense and a counterattack was initiated. Kawasaki's midfielder Ohashi received a pass from Nakamura and dribbled towards the halfway line. Without being pressed by Tokyo's defense, Ohashi advanced to the edge of the penalty area and took a shot, slipping the ball past Shibata's hands and into the bottom right corner. They found themselves behind early in the game.

　There was still plenty of time and no need to rush. Pressing from the front, Kurisawa stole the ball and crossed it to the center, avoiding the Kawasaki DF on the left after 5 minutes. Ishikawa, who was waiting just outside the box, took a direct shot. In the 9th minute, Fukunishi expanded to the right. Lucas followed up on Ishikawa's breakthrough and earned a corner kick. However, in the 11th minute, they took the ball from Kawasaki in their own half and launched a quick attack, but Fukunishi had his pass to Baba intercepted and suffered a counterattack. Kurotsu, who received a pass from Kawasaki's right back Ito, ran up to just outside the box and took a shot. They conceded a goal just like the first goal and lost the second goal.

　After that, the line was drawn, allowing Kawasaki to dominate. Even when attacking, it ended with monotonous crosses and passes, easily defended by Kawasaki's defenders, and immediately turned into a counterattack. In the 29th minute, Kawasaki's throw-in was stolen, Lucas and Fukunishi persistently connected, and Ishikawa sent a perfect through pass between the opponent's goalkeeper and defender. Kurizawa jumped in here and had a big chance, but Kawasaki's defender Minowa cleared it by a hair's breadth. It escaped to a corner kick. In the 34th minute, from the ball Fukunishi stole, Baba sent a long through pass to the front line. Lucas ran in, but was blocked by Kawasaki's defenders.

　From this time, Fujiyama moved to center back and took care of Kawasaki FW Juninho. At the same time, Imakita was placed on the left to make use of attacking power. With this, they regained their composure and the game became a back and forth battle. Just when it seemed like the first half was about to end, in the 42nd minute, they received a counterattack from Kawasaki and Asari fouled FW Juninho, giving away a free kick. From just left of the penalty arc, MF Ohashi took a direct shot that sharply pierced into the top right corner, resulting in a goal. With this, Kawasaki regained their momentum. Shortly after entering stoppage time, they showed a thick attack in front of the Tokyo goal, spreading from left to right. MF Nakamura entered deep into the right area and took a shot from an angleless position, which was initially saved by Shibata, but the rebound was powerfully kicked in by Kawasaki MF Murakami. In the blink of an eye, they conceded two goals and went into the second half with a 4-point deficit.

Lucas and Ishikawa score a determined goal, but the counterattack is slow...

　In the second half, Wanchope and Kajiyama were substituted for Baba and Asari. Tokunaga, the right full-back, positioned himself higher up, and the defense took a shape close to a back three. Wanchope and Lucas led the front line, while Ishikawa took on a fluid positioning, launching a counterattack with all their might. In the 46th minute, Kawasaki FW JUNINHO created a scoring opportunity, but it was saved by Shibata and resulted in a corner kick. In the 51st minute, a pass was circulated from Kajiyama, and finally Ishikawa sent a perfect low cross. Lucas connected with it, but it went over the crossbar...

　58 minutes, Lucas connects from Inamoto's interception, Ishikawa takes a daring shot from just outside the area. However, it was saved by the Kawasaki GK and resulted in a corner kick. In the 59th minute, Kajiyama plays a through pass and Ishikawa runs through in front of the goal. Wanchope behind him takes a great shot, but once again it is saved by the Kawasaki GK, and Lucas follows up with a shot that hits the defender and results in a corner kick. In the 60th minute, Suzuki Norio replaces Kurisawa. From the loose ball from the previous play, Suzuki Norio takes a shot, but it goes wide to the right.

　In contrast to the first half, where they focused on attacking, they gradually began to find their rhythm. However, in the 68th minute, Kajiyama was dispossessed in the opponent's half, and Kawasaki launched a quick counterattack. They allowed FW Kurotsu to enter the area unmarked, and although Shigeno rushed to close him down, he managed to take a shot. Shioda came out of the goal, and Fujiyama, who had provided cover, initially cleared the ball, but it fell to FW JUNINHO, who scored a goal...

　Tokyo continued to attack despite conceding 5 points. In the 74th minute, Lucas was fouled inside the area after cutting in from the right, earning a penalty kick. In the 75th minute, Lucas himself confidently converted the penalty kick, securing 1 point. Konno also bravely pushed forward, leaving only Shigeno and Fujiyama in defense. In the 85th minute, from a throw-in, Lucas persistently held the ball deep in the right area and sent a low cross to the goalmouth. Wanchope controlled the ball with his heel and passed it back, allowing Ishikawa to make a run and take a shot. The shot deflected off a defender, resulting in a corner kick. The right corner kick was cleared by the opposing defender, leading to a left corner kick. Fukunishi dropped Suzuki's kick, and Ishikawa on the left side of the goal area unleashed a powerful left-footed volley! Ishikawa's determined goal brought the score to 2-0.

　However, there is little time left and the counterattack is also over. In the 89th minute, Suzuki Nori advances from his own side and crosses from the left side. Kajiyama tries to swing his head to the right, but it is taken away by the Kawasaki DF. In injury time, Lucas shoots a perfect header from Fukunishi's free kick, but it flies straight to the goalkeeper and time is up. It was a big defeat that made us feel the difference in strength, and it was the first loss against Kawasaki in J1 and the second consecutive loss.

　【Player Comments】《Mori》"For me, today is the first game of the season, but my position was a hole, and there were many scenes where players like Fujiyama and Konno covered for me. However, we lost, but it's not the time to hang our heads. We have pride, and we can't end like this. If we improve our condition, I have confidence that we can stop the opponent's attack. By doing so, we should be able to improve the team's condition. I was moved by the Moniwacall, so I want to do my best to live up to the expectations."《Konno》"I think Kawasaki was good. However, it was our own fault that was the biggest problem. We couldn't get to the ball, and we were shot at, making it easier for the opponent. We should have been more aggressive. To regain confidence, winning is the most important thing. As professionals, we need to push our emotions to the forefront and fight with the attitude of winning no matter what."

　[Summary of the press conference by former coach] "We had a bad start to the game. We conceded a goal early on, and everyone, including Mochida who made his first appearance in a while, seemed to be in disarray. The second goal was also conceded when we wanted to attack and got caught on the counter. Conceding goals in the way we feared the most early on made us lose confidence. It's regrettable that we showed such a sight. Just before the end of the first half, we conceded the third goal from a free kick, and immediately after that, the fourth goal was conceded in a situation where there was no one in defense. At halftime, we talked about not being able to end the game like this, and we managed to recover a bit in the second half, but the initial start was the cause of today's defeat. We were given the opportunity to liven up the Tamagawa Clasico event, and despite the rain, many fans came to watch, so it's really disappointing that we played such a disgraceful game. Very regrettable."

　[Summary of Kawasaki-Sekizuka Coach's Press Conference] "I would like to express my gratitude to the many supporters who came out in the heavy rain. I think the players were tired, but I believe we were able to win thanks to the support of the many fans. It was a match that took place two days after the previous match and after a disappointing defeat, but the players were able to switch their mindset and start the game strong. I am grateful to the players for that. With the return of MF Nakamura, MF Ohashi took the place of the suspended Maginun, and I think we started the game evenly. Taking the lead in a good way brought us rhythm. MF Ohashi did a great job. He must have been waiting for the opportunity to play, and he responded well to the chance. His contribution is significant not only in terms of the team's collective effort, but also in terms of his individual performance. We conceded 2 goals after scoring 5, but we want to make adjustments and aim for zero goals conceded. We have the ACL on Wednesday, and we want to prepare thoroughly for the first round of the J-League. In terms of our expectations before the match, Tokyo had Babba on the field against our 3-back formation, and Lucas played as a lone striker. We observed their approach, but thanks to taking the lead, our start was better than the opponent's and we were able to play a solid game. Tokyo was most cautious of attacks from the right side. Another point we paid attention to was the transition from attack to defense. Being able to transition quickly and launch attacks was the key to deciding the game. The fact that the ball was moving also contributed to our goals."