Can miracles happen...

1 win, 6 losses... This is the win-loss record of the team in the 7 league matches since October. At the end of September, they had a 12-point lead over the team in 3rd place and were running towards the top, making it seem like they were very close to "J1 promotion". However, "J1" was not that easy. Just like Kawasaki Frontale struggled in the past two years and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo struggled this year, they were plagued by an invisible monster called "pressure". They lost every important match that could have secured their position, and in the previous round, they finally gave up the 2nd place to Oita. There is only one spot left for "J1 promotion" and they no longer have the chance to secure it by their own efforts. For Tokyo to be promoted, Oita must lose or draw in the match happening at the same time as theirs, and Tokyo had no choice but to win. Whether crying or laughing, this day was the last game, and the opponent was Niigata, who had lost all three matches this season. The situation was not good, but last year, Tokyo Gas FC achieved a "miraculous come-from-behind victory" in the last game against Niigata, so they couldn't help but feel a sense of destiny. For the large group of about 500 supporters who had come all the way to Niigata, they wanted to fight with all their might until the last moment and give them the best gift.

Tokyo's passion overwhelms Niigata!

The large cheering squad that rushed from Tokyo overwhelmed the opponents from before the game. Whether it was the variety, volume, or quality of the songs and chants, they surpassed those of the home team and didn't make it feel like it was an away game. Tokyo's eleven fiercely attacked from the start, as if responding to their passionate "feelings." As usual, Yukihiro made a move from the right side, and in the first minute, Okuhara jumped for a header from Yukihiro's cross. Unfortunately, it went over the bar, but then Kagami dived for a header from the following corner kick! That also missed, but Tokyo's intense offensive had begun. Tokyo primarily built their attacks from the sides, and when the middle was crowded, Ashikari and Almir in the midfield would pass the ball back to the opposite side. From the right side, DF Umayama and MF Yukihiro had exquisite combinations and dribbles by Yukihiro to break through, while from the left side, MF Okuhara created chances by skillfully breaking free with his abundant mobility. FW Amaral couldn't play as he wanted due to the intense marking by Niigata DF Sergio, but MF Kagami became a stable post player in the center, allowing Tokyo to smoothly circulate the ball. On the other hand, Niigata excels at connecting precise passes rhythmically from the center, but Tokyo's relentless pressure from the front line on this day led to monotonous attacks of kicking the ball forward when there were no passing lanes. Occasionally, Ricardo would use his individual skills to keep the ball in the midfield and deliver well-timed passes to the sharp overlapping of both sides, but they couldn't break the stable defensive line centered around midfielders Ashikari, DF Sandro, and Komine.

Kagami scores the long-awaited opening goal!

The game progressed at a Tokyo pace, and in the 31st minute, Tokyo finally scored the long-awaited opening goal. DF Umayama dribbled past on the right side and continued to run forward, passing it to Yukihiko in front. Without holding the ball, Yukihiko passed it back to Kensuke in the center, and Kensuke controlled it with his back to the goal and took a shot with his left foot in one motion! It was a splendid goal, and Tokyo finally scored their first goal of the season from Niigata.

Niigata, which allowed the first goal in Tokyo, is shaken. Niigata's attack is still monotonous, and although the passes are connected in the midfield, they cannot bring it to a finish. Tokyo's press was strong and perfect, not giving Niigata any chance to take advantage.

At the end of the first half with a score of 1-0, Tokyo's attack intensifies as the second half begins. In the first half, Fujiyama, who did not venture out much to care for the opponent's full-back's attacking participation, starts to move in the second half. In the 8th minute, Fujiyama skillfully dribbles up the left side and delivers a perfect through pass to Okuhara in the front line. Okuhara accurately crosses the ball to the center, and Amaral runs in and heads the ball! But he slips and misses a great scoring opportunity. In the following 10 minutes, Fujiyama forcefully dribbles through to the goal but fails to score. Immediately after that, Yukihiko and Umayama play a one-two on the right side, and Yukihiko breaks free and delivers an exquisite cross. However, Amaral misses again, and they just can't score an additional goal. On the contrary, when Niigata substitutes FW Saulo in the 14th minute, their attack starts to gain momentum. Saulo, who entered the left side, becomes a base by utilizing his ball retention skills and creates chances in combination with Ricardo. In the 28th minute, Saulo dribbles and keeps the ball in front of the goal, and the Tokyo defenders cannot help but foul him. Ricardo aims for this direct free kick and shoots, but the ball sharply curves and hits the crossbar. It was a scene that made Tokyo, who cannot afford a draw, feel anxious.

After defeating Niigata, a miracle awaits Tokyo as they await their destiny...

Time passed by moment by moment, and the desperate offensive and defensive battle between the two teams continued. Tokyo, who wants to seize their first victory of the season from Niigata and entrust their hopes of "J1 promotion", clashed with Niigata, who is determined to achieve victory at their final home game no matter what.

At the same time, there was information that 2nd place Oita had taken the lead from their opponent Yamagata. Oita was in a highly advantageous situation with a home game, and it would have been impossible to expect to catch up with Yamagata if they were to concede an additional goal. The Tokyo players were unaware of this situation, but coach Kiyoshi OKUMA was being updated on the situation regularly. Conceding a goal would be a fatal blow for Tokyo, and if Oita were to score an additional goal, all hope would be lost. In any case, Tokyo's priority was to win against Niigata in the immediate future.

14:57, there were some dangerous moments towards the end of the game, but it's time up and Tokyo managed to secure a victory against their arch-rivals Niigata. However, there were no satisfied smiles on the faces of the players, staff, and fans. This was because there was information that Oita had maintained a 1-0 lead and entered into injury time. In terms of the situation, it was 99% certain that Oita would win, which meant that Tokyo's promotion to J1 would not be realized. But in the next moment, something unbelievable happened. Oita was equalized in the final moments of the game. "No way..." Tokyo personnel felt a "miraculous premonition". And immediately after that, it was reported that Oita had entered into extra time. However, no one was celebrating just yet. From here, "the longest 30 minutes of the year" awaited.

At this point, in order for Tokyo to "J1 promotion", it was necessary for Oita to lose in extra time or draw. Time passed slowly. The players took showers in the locker room, and the staff exchanged information with the press. The fans remained silent and did not move. At 15:13, it was reported that the first half of extra time ended in a draw. There were 15 minutes left, and it felt like praying to God. Time passed slowly but surely. At 15:30, there was 1 minute left, just a little more. In the next moment, cheers like "Yatta" and "War" erupted from the stands, and the venue shook. Oita ran out of steam and it was reported that they drew. It wasn't a dream, we really did it! We grabbed "J1". The players burst out of the locker room, shouting with joy, and flowed onto the field. Fans from the other side climbed over the fence and jumped out. Some were crying, some were laughing, and players, staff, and fans embraced each other in a mix. It didn't matter who it was. They wanted to embrace each other and share the joy. I don't remember what happened after that, but I was just happy. In the entire season of 36 league matches, 8 Nabisco Cup matches, and since the J2 opening on March 14th, we have been moving forward without looking back or taking a break. It is often said that "sports is a drama without a script". Who could have written the script for FC Tokyo's "Road to J1"? Experiencing the "scriptless drama" of "Heaven and Earth" since October will surely be useful in the future.

However, this year is not over yet. One week later, the "Emperor's Cup" will begin, which will be the first time for FC Tokyo to participate. Let's switch our mindset, give our all, and continue to build a new history.