Winning the final home game by utilizing each individual's strengths!

　Sec. 33 was held, marking the final home game. In the previous match against Kobe Univ, it ended in a draw, but we couldn't secure 3 points. Due to the results of the other matches played the day before (Sec. 33, Day 1), we can no longer reach the championship, but we are barely holding on in the top battle. If we win this match, we will be tied with 4th place Oita in points, so we cannot afford to lose in this critical battle.

　This week, Kajiyama and Tokunaga will be suspended due to accumulated warnings. Taking into consideration the reflection on the Kobe match, Coach Jofuku said, "Regardless of who plays, our style of play will not change, but we want to bring out each individual's strengths and create something new. We want to balance these two aspects. Therefore, Nagatomo will play as a right full-back, and Kanazawa will start as a left full-back for the first time since the 22nd match against Tokyo V. Emerson will also start for the first time since the 29th match against Oita. In the midfield, Imamura and Hanyu will play, and Kabore and Hirayama will form the front two in a 4-4-2 formation."

　Niigata, who is currently in 14th place, has avoided automatic relegation to J2, but their survival is not yet guaranteed, so they will come out fighting desperately to accumulate as many points as possible. They should also have a strong desire to avenge their loss in the Emperor's Cup. DF Nagata and MF Alessandro will be suspended, but this round they will use DF Umino as a center-back. They have been approaching the game with a formation consisting of MF Matsushita and Marcioreischarudes on the sides. In the match of the Emperor's Cup, they struggled against attacks that targeted the defense of FW Tanaka and MF Kawahara, with MF Marcioreischarudes as the starting point. To avoid repeating the same mistakes, it is important to maintain balance and not let Niigata find their rhythm. In terms of attack, it will depend on how well they can create their own opportunities. However, even if they lose control of the pace, it is important to stay calm and not get flustered.

　Ajinomoto Stadium, blessed with clear weather despite the cold wind. The last home game of the season gathered 35,172 spectators and started with Niigata's kickoff at 16:04.

Unable to create opportunities, struggling against Niigata's determination...

　The start of the game saw both teams struggling to settle the ball, resulting in a back and forth battle. In the 10th minute, Ishikawa stole the ball on the right side of their own half and dribbled a long distance before passing it to Cabore on the right side just outside the penalty area. Cabore cut inside the defender and took the first shot of the day, but it was saved by the goalkeeper. Niigata also attempted to exploit the Tokyo defense with attacks similar to the Emperor's Cup, but they made mistakes and couldn't find their rhythm, resulting in a back and forth exchange. However, in the 24th minute, Niigata's midfielder Matsushita crossed the ball and Yano slid in at the far post, almost scoring from a close range shot. Shioda made a brave save and the ball went out for a corner kick.

　In the 27th minute, Ishikawa -> midfield followed by Hirayama aiming for a middle shot. It flew into the frame, but the GK saved it and earned a right corner kick, but couldn't take advantage of the corner kick opportunity. In the 33rd minute, Niigata was given a FK in the midfield, and MF Matsushita's kick was headed by DF Chiyotanda in front of the goal, and DF Matsuo followed up with a shot. The timing was good, and it was a close call, but it was outside the frame. In the 39th minute, Kabore cut the opponent's DF to the outside on the left side and sent a fast cross in front of the goal. Hirayama was also waiting in the far side, but the Niigata GK punched it with one hand. Emerson and Imakawa followed up on the loose ball, but were defended by the DF.

　In the 41st minute, Niigata created a big chance. MF Chiba -> RB Uchida made a floating pass behind Tokyo's DF. MF Matsushita slid in and stretched his leg. Shioda also came out, but the ball headed towards the goal as if colliding... It almost looked like it would be scored, but it hit the crossbar and bounced back, and Shioda caught it. Tokyo was troubled by Niigata's passionate play, but they never panicked and tried to create their own rhythm from focused defense. However, they lacked accuracy and power in their attacks and couldn't create scoring opportunities. The first half ended scoreless.

Akamine scores a crucial goal from a set piece! Ending the final home game with a victory

　In the second half, Daotake was substituted for Emerson. He connected passes well and took control of the ball to go on the offensive. Shortly after the start of the second half, Hayabusa entered a shooting position after Cabore's breakthrough, but the opponent's defender blocked it. In the 47th minute, Hirayama dribbled into the center and Cabore from the left area aimed for the goal, but the angle was not good and the goalkeeper caught it. In the 60th minute, Hirayama received Hayabusa's cross and sent a final pass to the front of the goal, creating a decisive chance for Cabore, but the shot went wide... We were unable to take advantage of the opportunities against Niigata's tough defense.

　As time passed, both teams fiercely fought to chase one point. Tokyo made substitutions, replacing Ishikawa with Suzuki in the 64th minute and replacing Hirayama with Akamine in the 75th minute, aiming to score goals through player changes. Niigata also sent long balls to the front line, threatening Tokyo's goal. In the 77th minute, due to a pass mistake by Tokyo's defense line, Niigata's forward Yano rushed towards the goal and passed the ball to forward Tanaka, who had moved up to the area to support, and entered a shooting position, but Shioda quickly came out and made a save. They concentrated and did not allow any goals.

　In the 82nd minute, Hayu made a wedge pass to Akamine on the front line, and Akamine dropped it securely. Daichi ran in from behind and took a shot. The ball flew into the frame, but the opponent's goalkeeper saved it with a fingertip at the upper left corner, resulting in a corner kick. In the following 83rd minute, Daichi took a left corner kick, which landed perfectly in the center for Akamine to head it in and score! Finally, they took the lead by making use of a set piece opportunity.

　Niigata also made their way towards the Tokyo goal until the end, but the counterattack was shut out. A valuable goal that responded to Akamine's expectations became the final point, and the time was up. They decorated the final home game with a victory and rose to 5th place in the standings. They have a remaining hope of finishing within the top 3 to earn a spot in the ACL, albeit relying on other teams' results, and will enter the final match.

　【Player Comments】《Akamine》"In the scoring scene, the corner kick came up and I was able to head it well. I'm glad it went in. When I entered the game, the score was 0-0, so I went onto the pitch with the intention of shooting. I'm happy that so many people came to watch and we were able to win in our final home game. If I get more playing time, I will have more chances. I think I've been able to make that happen this year. (I haven't scored in the games we lost), but on the other hand, when the team loses, I haven't scored. Even in those situations, I want to work hard to be able to score. In the final match, I want to focus only on winning and give it our all together."《Shioda》"It was a tough game from the beginning, but we managed to hang in there somehow. When we played against Niigata in the previous Emperor's Cup, it was also a similar situation, and we expected them to come forward as they are still fighting to avoid relegation. Lately, we have been conceding a lot of goals and relying on our attacking players for help. Before the game, I had the mindset of giving my all no matter what the situation, so I didn't feel frustrated about not being able to create chances. I think it was good that we fought until the end with the determination to fight firmly in a situation where even a draw is not allowed anymore. (Reflecting on this season) By continuously playing in matches, I have gained a lot of valuable experience as an individual. It's also a great experience to be able to compete at the top of the season like this. I think it will have a positive impact on my future soccer career."

　[Summary of Coach Jofuku's Press Conference] "In the first half, we knew the opponent's pressure was tough. I think we struggled with how to play our style of football and the balance between our defensive line and midfield build-up wasn't very good. We were mentally pushed back by Niigata's pressure, and I thought we could have connected a bit more. However, there were a few dangerous moments from fouls leading to free kicks, but we had some luck there, and it was very good that we kept the score at zero. Around the 25-minute mark, Niigata's midfield started to become a bit loose, so I thought we could build up properly there... but we were only able to do that in the second half. That's a point for reflection. In the second half, Hanyu spread the ball well, and we were able to carry the ball into the attacking third to some extent under our intention. However, we struggled to create situations to speed up with overlaps or one-twos. We tried to make changes in the lineup to bring about some variation. We scored from a corner kick at the end, and including the attack leading up to that corner, that period of time wasn't bad. However, Niigata played with a very strong mentality. I think it was a victory for everyone, including the defense that kept the score at zero. (We controlled the flow of the game, but did Niigata have chances? There were various weaknesses visible, right?) We want to play compactly, but that conversely carries risks at the back. We are still in the process of learning that. By being compact, we can suppress the opponent's play, but when they break through, the decision to follow or drop the line has to be instantaneous. We still need to brush up on that. Another point is regarding how we engage with the opponent's holding midfielder; even when we create a block, there was some softness in getting close to the ball. The balance between creating a block and going for the ball, and the balance between being compact and caring for the line, can only be improved by raising our level. That's a point for reflection, and while we can control when the opponent isn't applying high pressure, we want to ensure that even when we can't play our style, we don't allow the opponent to create chances. That's a major challenge for this developing team. (Towards the final match) Although it depends on others, first and foremost, getting three points ourselves is an absolute condition for ACL qualification. The situation in Chiba is certainly tough, and I believe they will come with tremendous motivation, but more than that, we need the mindset to secure three points ourselves to grasp our goal. No matter where the opponent is or what situation they are in, that won't change. That's the most important thing."

　【Summary of Niigata Suzuki's Press Conference】"The players fought well for 90 minutes. However, they couldn't keep up with the speed of FC Tokyo's attacks. Throughout the game, they were dominated and tried to find opportunities in set plays and quick attacks while sticking to it, but they couldn't convert several decisive moments. With only one game left, they will head to training to earn 3 points and aim to have a good game."