Kashima Antlers continued their impressive form by defeating FC Tokyo 2-0 on March 1, 2025, extending their winning streak to three matches and solidifying their position as one of J1's top competitors this season.
The match, held at Kashima Stadium, saw the Antlers move decisively against FC Tokyo, who made bold changes to their lineup, featuring seven new starters. Notably, veterans like Yuto Nagatomo and Masato Morishige were in the starting side, highlighting FC Tokyo's strategic approach to the match. They brought 15-year-old prodigy Maki Kitahara onto the bench, showcasing their commitment to youth development.
The game commenced with both teams exhibiting aggressive formations, but it was Kashima who took the initiative. The first half saw clear chances for both teams, with Nagatomo and Kaito Nakamura coming close for FC Tokyo, but the match remained scoreless at halftime.
After the break, the pressure intensified. On the 50th minute, Kashima came close to scoring when Marcelo Huang’s header hit the left post. Just moments later, Naoto Ueda had a goal disallowed after VAR ruled him offside, leaving the teams still at square one.
It wasn't until the 74th minute when the deadlock was shattered. Yuma Suzuki, the star forward for Kashima, was fouled inside the box, leading to a penalty kick. Suzuki calmly stepped up and scored with precision, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and igniting jubilation among the home fans.
The final nail for FC Tokyo arrived during stoppage time. Following a corner kick, substitute Shuhei Shiki managed to net another goal for Kashima with finesse, sealing the victory at 2-0. This late goal was indicative of Kashima’s dominance and confirmed their strong form as the season progresses.
After the match, Kashima’s Naoto Ueda expressed aspirations for even greater success. "I want to aim higher. I won't be satisfied with just this," he stated, showcasing the motivation within the squad to maintain momentum and push for more victories.
For FC Tokyo, the loss was disheartening, and the team's head coach reflected on the match's challenges. "It was frustrating for us, but we need to learn from this," he remarked, underlining the need for improvement as they seek to develop consistency throughout the season.
This victory for the Antlers not only marked their third win consecutively but also extended their formidable home unbeaten record to 25 games. Their last loss at home dates back to October 28, 2023, against Urawa Reds, indicating their unyielding strength on home turf.
Kashima now stands on equal footing with historical J1 records held by Urawa and Gamba Osaka, reinforcing their title as perennial contenders.
After defeating FC Tokyo, the next challenge for Kashima will be to maintain their winning streak against upcoming opponents, with aspirations of reclaiming the J1 title firmly on their minds. The continued contributions from players like Suzuki, alongside their overall team coherence, will be pivotal as they advance through the season.
Across the league, the matches on this day showcased varying fortunes for other teams. Notably, Fukuoka, who has struggled this season, found success with a 1-0 win against reigning champions Vissel Kobe, lifting some spirits within their camp after three consecutive defeats to open the campaign.
Meanwhile, Kyoto Sanga clinched their first victory of the season against Kawasaki Frontale with a hard-fought 1-0 win. Their successful performance was bolstered by contributions from key players, illustrating the competitive nature of the league this year.
All eyes are now on Kashima as they look to capitalize on their winning form and continue their pursuit of glory as the J1 season progresses.