Entering the final stage of the 1st stage, we are approaching the yet-to-be-played Sec. 10

Sec. 10, which had been postponed due to the influence of the ACL, will be held. Sanfrecce Hiroshima will be welcomed at home.
The previous match ended in a scoreless draw, but Tokyo has not conceded a goal in the last four consecutive matches. In order to earn 3 points, they will need to maintain their solid defense and also score goals.

This week, Muriqui made his first J1 start and formed a two-top with Maeda. In addition, Ogawa, who started for the first time since the Tosu match on May 13th, was appointed as the left full-back due to Tokunaga's absence. In the midfield, Takahashi and Yonemoto formed a double pivot. Higashi on the right side and Hayashi on the left. Considering the unique playing style of Hiroshima, who plays in a 3-6-1 system, we decided to approach the match with a 4-4-2 formation.

Hiroshima is missing DF Mizumoto and has chosen 20-year-old DF Miyahara as one of the three backs. Hiroshima boasts attacking power with FW Peter UTAKA, who is currently leading the scoring rankings, as the centerpiece, including substitute FW Asano.
On the other hand, it is a match where we aim to achieve victory at home by demonstrating both aggressiveness and tenacity.

The rain in Japan has stopped, but the humidity is high. Under the weather conditions where the heat and humidity still remain before the start, the game kicked off in Tokyo at 19:03.

No gaps together, cautious game play

2 minutes: Both teams start cautiously. Maeda breaks through the opponent's defense from Muriqui's through pass on the left side and advances deep into the left area, but Hiroshima's defenders quickly adjust their positions and manage to defend with numbers.

6 minutes: Tokyo's forward pass to Hiroshima FW Peter UTAKA was intercepted by Yonemoto and Takahashi, and Azuma passed it to Maeda on the left. Hayashi circled around the center and returned the ball to Maeda in the front line, aiming for a goal, but Hiroshima's defender Chiba blocked it. Yonemoto then circled around from the left and took a shot, but it was also blocked in the area. As a result, there were only these two shots on target in the first half. Tokyo continued to defend by coordinating passes to the Hiroshima front line, not allowing them to move freely. Tokyo held the ball for a long time in the opponent's half. However, they couldn't create any decisive opportunities despite trying various challenges to utilize Mouri's breakthrough ability and Maeda's post-play, and time passed.

28 minutes: Maeda cuts off the opponent's DF pass on the right front line. Higashi sends it to the center and connects finely in front of the goal, but Muriqui on the left is thoroughly taken care of by the Hiroshima DF. Furthermore, Hayashi in the center tries to aim for the goal, but is closed down by the opponent and it spills to the left. This once again reaches Muriqui, who shoots from the area, but it goes well over the bar.

On the other hand, Hiroshima also had a header from FW Peter UTAKA from a corner kick in the 15th minute, and MF Miyayoshi competed for a right cross in the 38th minute, with MF Shibasaki taking a direct shot from just outside the area. These were the only two shots in the first half. Both teams showed no openings or defensive flaws and ended the first half scoreless.

Both teams fought in the second half, and Hashimoto scored the equalizer.

The flow completely changed in the second half. Hiroshima brought in FW Asano and both teams showed an aggressive attitude, aiming to win in the second half.
47 minutes: Maruyama of the DF line sends a vertical pass to Haru, who receives it and turns around. Facing forward, he sends a through pass to Muriqui, who starts running towards the left front line. Although he couldn't finish, Muriqui immediately carries the ball in the area and earns a corner kick.
49 minutes: Maeda heads the ball from Ogawa's corner kick, but fails to finish. Then Muriqui is fouled and earns a free kick just outside the area, slightly to the right. Morishige aims for it and launches a strong attack on the Hiroshima goalkeeper.

57 minutes: Kawano is substituted for Higashi. However, after 60 minutes, they were hit by Hiroshima's speedy attack. They were repeatedly attacked by MF Kashiwa and FW Asano, and FW Peter UTAKA and MF Shibasaki took shots at goal.

62 minutes: From Hiroshima's right corner kick, a decisive header was struck by MF Morisaki near the goal, but Akimoto made a save with one foot! Akimoto also saved Chiba's subsequent shot, and he did well to defend in this situation.
64 minutes: Nathan BURNS replaces Muriqui.

66 minutes: Hiroshima quickly connects, MF Shibasaki heads to the left front line. FW Peter UTAKA cuts back Hasegawa in the left area and breaks through to the sideline. A pass to the center from here is combined with FW Asano near... allowing the first goal, 0-1.

69 minutes: The right corner kick was cleared, but the second ball was picked up by Kono on the right, passed to Maruyama in the center, and then to Takahashi on the left side. Takahashi sent a long side change cross to the right area. Kono received the ball and delivered a liner-like cross that passed through the opponent's defenders into the area. Hasegawa, who had remained in the front line, stretched out his right foot and shot the ball into the goal, even though his posture was disrupted. With this, it's 1-1.

As soon as they caught up with the tie, both teams aimed to take the lead in the final stages, resulting in a back-and-forth of counterattacks. With an open game, both sides had chances but were unable to capitalize on them. The game ended in a draw. Despite conceding the first goal, they managed to earn 1 point by equalizing. It was the second consecutive draw in two matches.

[Player Comments]
《Hashimoto》
"I was able to create scoring opportunities and we had a chance to win. It was a frustrating game. The system changed, but I think we were able to showcase the unique qualities of all the players. Personally, I should have been able to prevent the goal we conceded. I gave away the opening goal to the opponent through my own play, so I was determined to make up for it. I think we were able to demonstrate our team's attitude of not giving up and moving forward. I want to continue making efforts to improve and address the challenges we faced today."

"Muriqui"
"I started as a starter for the first time at the home stadium, and I am happy to be able to play at home and feel the presence of the fans and supporters up close. We couldn't win. Next time, I want to win and bring joy to everyone. I want to create more chances and have a strong desire to score goals. However, I can't do it alone. I need to improve my own level and show more collaboration with my teammates. I want to work together with everyone to win."

[Summary of Coach Hiroshi JOFUKU's Press Conference]
"We made some changes to the team, but we were able to show a strong attack from a solid defense. That's why we wanted to secure 3 points and we had the chance to do so. We faced some difficult moments, but unfortunately, we couldn't secure a victory at home."
（Regarding Hiroshima's countermeasures）
We continue to slide horizontally, apply pressure to the ball, and maintain a high line regardless of the opponent. We also add information about the opponent's key players and their types. We want to play as much as possible in the front, so we are conscious of the contrast between lowering and maintaining the line high.

[Summary of Hiroshima Coach Hajime Moriyasu's Press Conference]
"I expected the first half to be a tough game. Tokyo has a strong defense and individual quality and physicality, so it wouldn't be an easy game. In the first half, I wish we could have created more chances while moving the opponent, but it's difficult when the opponent is fresh. However, the players continued to patiently wait for opportunities without getting frustrated. We got caught on Tokyo's counter a few times, but I think our resilience in those situations led to the opening goal in the second half. Both teams had many chances in the second half, but our defenders and goalkeeper Lin prevented any dangerous situations. We want to take the positive view of taking one point away from home."