[J1 League Round 2] Both teams' aces shine! Kyoto Sanga FC vs Urawa Red Diamonds

Kyoto Sanga attacks in a straight line, while Urawa Reds employ a relentless, relentless attack; pay attention to the differences in their tactics.

Under manager Cho Kwi-jae, Kyoto Sanga employs a calculated system of pressing and a motto of "always moving forward," employing a direct approach to scoring goals. Last season, they briefly sank to last place, but fought back in the final stages to secure 14th place and avoid relegation from J1. This season, they aim to maintain that momentum and achieve an even higher ranking.

Under manager Maciej Skolja, Urawa Red Diamonds are aiming to implement a playing style that involves relentless attacking play, including from the defense. This season will be packed with matches where they cannot afford to lose, not only in the domestic league and two cup competitions, but also in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

The first half saw a back-and-forth battle with neither team scoring.

Forty seconds into the match, Urawa's goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa sent a long pass to midfielder Matheus Savio, who then passed the ball to the left wing. Defender Takuya Ogihara received the pass and sent it forward. The ball went through forward Thiago Santana, and finally midfielder Taishi Matsumoto unleashed a shot from distance, but it went over the crossbar.

In the 3rd minute, Kyoto had a corner kick, and forward Rafael Elias headed the ball towards the goal, but goalkeeper Nishikawa made a superb save with just his left hand. Commentator Hara Kazuki commented, "Elias connected with the pinpoint corner kick perfectly, but Nishikawa made a fantastic save." Goalkeeper Nishikawa's left hand saved the team from danger.

In the 26th minute, forward Elias delivered a vertical cross. Forward Daichi Hara reacted quickly and took a direct shot, but it went wide to the right of the goal.

In the 29th minute, two defenders marked midfielder Takuro Kaneko as he attempted a second attack from a Urawa corner kick. However, Kaneko broke through the gap and entered the penalty area. He took a shot with his left foot, but it was blocked by a clearance from Kobe's forward Elias.

In first-half stoppage time, Kyoto had a great chance. Midfielder Taiki Hirato delivered a cross from just outside the penalty area. Forward Marco Tulio reacted to it and headed the ball into the net. However, the goal was disallowed because it was judged that the attacking team had committed a foul when the shot was taken. The first half ended scoreless.

Elias and Santana, the aces of both teams, are driving the game.

59 minutes into the second half, Kyoto took the lead. Midfielder Shinpei Fukuoka received a pass just outside the penalty area and delivered a cross into the goalmouth, which forward Elias headed in. Hara praised the high level of skill, saying, "I think the goal was created by the precision of Fukuoka's cross that landed between the defensive line and Elias's powerful shot."

In the 67th minute, Urawa connected with a long pass. Midfielder Savio sent a low cross from the right wing into the penalty area, and substitute midfielder Genki Haraguchi rushed in and tried to push it in with his left foot, but it was blocked by goalkeeper Takeshi Ota.

In the 72nd minute, Urawa's forward Santana intercepted a half-hearted back pass from a Kyoto player. He calmly dribbled past the onrushing goalkeeper Ota and shot into the empty net. Urawa had finally equalized.

Kyoto, desperate for an additional goal, saw midfielder Fukuoka deliver a quick cross from the left wing in the 88th minute, and substitute forward Nagasawa Shun headed the ball down with a powerful shot, but it was thwarted by a fine save from goalkeeper Nishikawa. Neither team was able to score any further goals, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Pay attention not only to the attackers but also to the key players in defense who prevented goals.

In this match, Kyoto's forward Elias supported the team both offensively and defensively. Not only did he score a crucial goal with a technically skilled header, but he also made tenacious blocks to protect the goal when it was in danger of conceding. Midfielder Fukuoka also shone. He created numerous chances, including the crucial goal that came from his cross. Although only one goal resulted from his cross, we will likely see him creating chances many more times in the future.

For Urawa, we should pay attention to the series of moments that led to the goal scored by forward Santana. His calm and decisive actions in capitalizing on the opportunity were magnificent, befitting a team ace. Furthermore, goalkeeper Nishikawa's excellent saves repeatedly rescued the team from Kyoto's fierce attacks. The scene where he blocked the opponent's sharp shot with one hand was simply superb.

Neither team was able to secure their first win of the season, but the match offered plenty of highlights. We'll be watching closely to see what happens in the next round.

From "DAZN Meiji Yasuda Life J1 League Highlights Kyoto Sanga FC vs Urawa Red Diamonds: Matchday 2" (broadcast on February 22, 2025)

*The information in the article is current at the time of publication.