In a thrilling match at the National Stadium, Albirex Niigata finally broke through with their first victory of the season, defeating Vissel Kobe 1-0 on April 6, 2025. The win came after a challenging start to the season, where Niigata had struggled, sitting at the bottom of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League with four draws and four losses.
The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Genki Haraguchi scored a stunning middle shot, capitalizing on a defensive error by Kobe. This early goal set the tone for the match, as Niigata held their ground against a relentless Kobe attack for the remainder of the game. Coach Takashi Kimura expressed relief and joy after the match, stating, "This victory is a testament to the hard work the team has put in, and I’m proud of how they fought today."
Vissel Kobe, who had been riding high on a three-match winning streak against Niigata, found themselves in a difficult position after conceding early. Despite dominating possession and attempting to press Niigata back into their half, they struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. Coach Hiroki Yoshida emphasized the need for his team to focus on their game plan, saying, "We need to concentrate on what we need to do. Today, we lost our way after conceding that early goal."
Niigata’s defense, led by captain Horigome, was resolute throughout the match, with goalkeeper Takeda making crucial saves to keep the clean sheet. The team’s determination was palpable, especially after a long stretch without a win. Haraguchi reflected on the match, saying, "Honestly, I’m incredibly happy. We’ve had matches where we should have won but ended up drawing or losing. To keep a clean sheet today and win 1-0 feels fantastic."
The intensity of the match was evident, with both teams pushing hard for a goal. Kobe made several substitutions in the second half, bringing on forwards Yoshinori Muto and Eryk, but they failed to convert their chances. The match ended with Kobe’s winning streak against Niigata halted at three games, marking a significant moment for the newly rejuvenated Niigata side.
As the final whistle blew, the relief and joy among the Niigata players were visible. Haraguchi added, "Today, I was able to score the winning goal, and that makes me very happy. This victory will surely boost our confidence moving forward." The team will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next match against Yokohama FC at home on April 13, 2025.
For Vissel Kobe, this defeat was a wake-up call. With their last loss at the National Stadium marking the end of a five-match unbeaten run there, they will need to regroup quickly to avoid slipping further down the league standings. Yoshida noted, "This loss is disappointing, but we must learn from it and come back stronger. We have the quality to bounce back, and we will focus on our next match to get back on track."
As the season progresses, both teams will be keen to establish their identities. Niigata, having achieved their first win, will aim to climb the table, while Kobe will look to reaffirm their status as contenders in the league. The rivalry between these two teams continues to heat up, and fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the future.
