In an intense showdown, FC Tokyo is set to face Nara Club in the first round of the 2025 J.League YBC Levain Cup on March 20, 2025. The match, held at Roth Field Nara, marks the start of a tournament that features all 60 J.League clubs participating in a knockout format. FC Tokyo's coach Ricoh Matsuhashi is emphasizing the importance of viewing Nara as a formidable opponent, insisting that the immediate challenge is no less than the strongest.
The 2025 J.League YBC Levain Cup introduces a new format where J1 clubs enter the fray from the first round, heightening the stakes for all teams involved. Each match, from the first through the third rounds, is a single-elimination contest, making the prospect of upsets possible—historically, lower-tier teams have pulled off “giant killings” against their higher-ranked counterparts.
Matsuhashi remarked, "This will be a really important match, no different from a league match. We have to approach it without any complacency—no matter the opponent's category." His sentiments reflect a commitment to not underestimating Nara Club, as the team grapples with its own struggles, having not scored in their last three league matches. He has encouraged his players to adopt a one-match-at-a-time mindset, an essential strategy in knockout tournaments.
Nara Club, coached by Kazumi Nakata, features a playing style that Matsuhashi acknowledges as serious and challenging. "They play close attention to maintaining possession and have been known to vary their approach with multiple challenges during matches," he noted. Matsuhashi’s team dynamic requires a focused discipline largely unbothered by the category of the opposing team.
FC Tokyo is looking to turn around their recent league form where they have failed to score in three consecutive games. Now, with players like forward Goto and defender Kimura fueling team morale, there is a sense of urgency to break their scoreless streak. Sato, another key player, also underscored this need for improvement, stating, "We have been improving our understanding of what the coach wants to achieve with our play, but we need to pick up the pace and start scoring to avoid falling behind."
Kimura, looking to redefine his role in the team, expressed his commitment to contribution: "I want to bring my best preparing for this chance. I'll focus on how my positioning can support our attacking play." With aspirations rooted deeply in improvement, he remarked on the importance of scoring as a team. "Breaking the scoreless run is crucial to regain momentum for the league, and that begins with a victory against Nara Club.”
As the league matches continue to mount pressure, Matsuhashi also addressed player selection dynamics, noting, "I don’t enter matches with a predetermined rotation strategy. Instead, I weigh various factors such as physical conditions and prior playtime. With the current three-match scoreless streak, the margin for error is non-existent, and we need every player to be ready to step up." This adaptability is crucial for the team’s success, especially in a single-elimination setting where every match counts.
Turning the focus to their opponents, Matsuhashi analyzed Nara's formation, revealing it bears some resemblance to FC Tokyo's own style. He believes that the challenge lies not only in overcoming their technical abilities but also in denouncing the potential complacency which comes from facing a lower-division team. He aimed to keep his squad mentally prepared, stating, "We need to stay flat mentally and approach Nara with serious dedication, as their name and reputation hold much weight in this competition. We cannot afford to let our guard down. People often forget how quickly the underdog can surprise you.”
The looming match is not merely a step in the knockout tournament; it's also a crucial point of team morale for FC Tokyo. Both Matsuhashi and his players exhibit confidence that success against Nara is achievable with the right mindset. “We must rigorously respect our approach and demonstrate our higher level of play,” Matsuhashi added during the buildup to the match, reinforcing a culture of high expectations.
With an eager fanbase behind them, the spotlight is firmly on FC Tokyo to return to winning ways come March 20, and the squad is no doubt feeling the pressure. As they kick off this pivotal tournament, players and coaching staff alike are determined to put their best foot forward, translating hard work into a strong performance. The knockout tournament is perhaps the perfect opportunity to lower the expectations temporarily; however, for FC Tokyo, it’s nothing less than an obligation to claim victory from the first round.
Nara will not have it easy either, as their pride rides on the chance to explore their potential against a higher-tier opponent. With both teams prepared to charge into action, the match promises not just competition but also a narrative of determination, character, and a chance at redemption.
Fans are encouraged to gather and witness the unfolding of this exciting tournament wherein glory is at stake, and every match holds the promise of triumph or defeat.
