Albirex Niigata of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League played against Kawasaki Frontale at home on June 22. The match between the two teams, both tied in points, was a fierce battle that continued until the very end.

[Announcer Masataka Saito]
“Even though it’s only two hours before kickoff, there are still many spectators at Denka Big Swan. Today marks the final game of the first half of the league.”

[Supporters]
“It’s like we’re recovering, and even when we concede goals, we keep on scoring.”

[Supporters]
“The scoring rate was high in the second half, which made it fun.”

[Supporters]
“I think we were able to show our offensive power to a variety of teams, so I hope we can continue to make use of that power and win.”

Also, Shunsuke Mito, who was a member of Albi until last season, made a surprise appearance at the pre-match event.

[Players: Shunsuke Mito]
“I think 30,000 supporters are here today, so I’m sure we can win. Let’s all cheer them on.”

The match was played in front of the largest crowd of the season, and Kawasaki, who used the same ball possession style as Albi, took the lead in the early stages.

Albi got out of a pinch in the 7th minute of the first half with a big save from Kojima, but in the 17th minute, a quick move by the opponent caused their formation to collapse, allowing them to concede the first goal.

However, Albi will not leave this season defeated.

In the 16th minute of the second half, Horimai retrieved a cross from Okumura that was deflected by the opponent and put it back into the penalty area. Fujiwara jumped in to pick up the loose ball! Fujiwara’s third goal of the season brought the game back to square one.

There was more additional time in the second half.

Okumura reacted to Maigyoryu’s through pass but his cross was deflected, but Maigyoryu picked up the loose ball and passed it to Suzuki!

[Takashi Suzuki]
“When I met Michael’s eyes, I knew for sure he was going to pass it to me. I reacted with complete madness and I’m glad I was able to score a goal.”

Albi had turned the game around and the whistle seemed about to blow for the end of the game, but when the goalkeeper sent the ball forward from a free kick, it never hit the ground and at the very last moment they unexpectedly conceded a goal.

The teams ended up sharing one point, and were unable to end the halfway point of the league with a win.

[Players: Souya Fujiwara]
“In the first half, including today, we had a lot of disappointing games and we conceded a lot of goals.”

[Yuki Akiyama, Player]
“We want to aim for a high ranking and not lose any points.”

Albi’s current ranking remains unchanged at 15th place.

The second half of the season will start soon, on June 26th, with an away game against Hiroshima.