Machida Zelvia broke their five-match winless streak in style, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over FC Tokyo on November 9, 2024, in a J.League match held at Japan’s National Stadium. Despite the win, the team’s chances of clinching the league title remain slim.
Match Overview
In a clash between the third-placed Machida Zelvia and seventh-placed FC Tokyo, the hosts came into the game under pressure, having failed to win in their last five matches. Meanwhile, FC Tokyo, with nothing significant left to play for this season, was only fulfilling their fixture obligations.
From the outset, Machida showed their intent. In the 15th minute, goalkeeper Kosei Tani initiated a play that saw Oh Se-hun head the ball forward to Erik Lima, who provided the assist for Ryohei Shirasaki to slot home the opener, giving Machida a 1-0 lead.
FC Tokyo had chances to equalize, notably in the 25th and 28th minutes, but Kosei Tani stood firm, making crucial saves, including a deflection off the crossbar. The first half ended with Machida leading 1-0.
Second-Half Brilliance
Machida doubled their lead in the 49th minute when Yuki Soma delivered a perfect cross for Oh Se-hun, who finished clinically. The home side extended their dominance in the 79th minute when Yuki Soma’s corner kick curled towards the goal, leading to an own goal by FC Tokyo’s goalkeeper Taishi Brandon Nozawa.
Despite efforts from FC Tokyo to get back into the game, Machida’s defense held strong, and the match ended with a decisive 3-0 victory for the hosts.
Team Lineups
Machida Zelvia Starting XI: Kosei Tani, Drešević, Jang Min-gyu, Gen Shoji, Henry Hiroki Mochizuki, Ryohei Shirasaki, Hokuto Shimoda, Kotaro Hayashi, Erik Lima, Yuki Soma, Oh Se-hun
Substitutes: Koki Fukui, Daiki Sugioka, Kiya Sento, Kosei Ashibe, Kazuki Fujimoto, Yuki Nagashima, Mitchell Duke
FC Tokyo Starting XI: Taishi Brandon Nozawa, Hotaka Nakamura, Yasuki Kimoto, Kanta Doi, Teppei Oka, Keigo Higashi, Kei Koizumi, Ryotaro Araki, Soma Anzai, Diego Oliveira, Keita Endo
Substitutes: Go Hatano, Enrique Trevisan, Kosuke Shirai, Takahiro Ko, Keita Yamashita, Leon Nozawa, Everton
Manager’s Take
Go Kuroda, Machida Zelvia’s manager, expressed pride in his team’s performance, especially in front of 45,000 fans.
“I am proud of how my players performed in this crucial match,” Kuroda said. “The last five games were tough for us, but the team showed resilience. I made adjustments to fix the errors we’ve been struggling with, and today we earned three vital points.”
With two games remaining, Kuroda remains optimistic: “We’ll aim to win both matches. During the international break, we’ll prepare to secure victory in our final home game and finish the season strong.”
What’s Next?
Machida Zelvia will next face their remaining opponents in the J.League with hopes of maintaining their momentum. As the league nears its conclusion, Machida looks to finish on a high note, proving that they can compete among the league’s best. Will they manage to make history in the end? Head to FUN88 and place your bets now to win some!
The Most Legendary Dark Horse Tales in Japanese Football History
Japanese football has a rich history of underdog teams defying expectations and achieving remarkable success. These “dark horse” stories have captivated fans and added a layer of excitement to the J.League. Here are some of the most legendary underdog tales in Japanese football league history:
1. Kashiwa Reysol’s 2011 J1 League Triumph
After earning promotion from J2 League in 2010, Kashiwa Reysol stunned the football community by clinching the J1 League title in their very first season back in the top flight. Their remarkable journey from promotion to champions remains a testament to determination and strategic excellence.
2. Oita Trinita’s 2008 J.League Cup Victory
Oita Trinita, a club with limited resources, achieved a historic milestone by winning the 2008 J.League Cup. This victory marked their first major trophy and showcased their ability to compete against more established teams.
3. Ventforet Kofu’s 2005 Promotion to J1 League
Ventforet Kofu’s ascent to the J1 League in 2005 is a classic underdog story. Despite financial constraints and a modest squad, they secured promotion, demonstrating that passion and perseverance can overcome significant challenges.
4. FC Tokyo’s 2004 Nabisco Cup Win
In 2004, FC Tokyo captured their first major title by winning the Nabisco Cup (now known as the J.League Cup). Their success was unexpected and highlighted the competitive nature of Japanese football, where any team can rise to prominence.
5. Machida Zelvia’s Historic 2024 J1 League Run
One of the most recent and inspiring dark horse stories is that of Machida Zelvia in the 2024 season. After securing promotion to the J1 League for the first time in their history, Machida Zelvia defied expectations by leading the league past the halfway mark of the season. Their impressive performance included victories over established teams like Kashima Antlers and Urawa Red Diamonds. This remarkable run has solidified their place in Japanese football history as a symbol of determination and strategic prowess.
These stories exemplify the unpredictable and thrilling nature of Japanese football, where underdog teams have the potential to achieve greatness and leave a lasting legacy.
