The Levain Cup 2nd round match between Renofa Yamaguchi FC and Kashima Antlers is set to kick off at 19:00 on April 9, 2025, at the picturesque Mirai Stadium. This matchup comes on the heels of a challenging period for Kashima, who recently experienced a disappointing home defeat against Kyoto Sanga F.C., ending their impressive 27-game unbeaten streak at home.
Referee Takuya Okabe will oversee the game, with assistant referees Masahiro Horigoe and Shigeaki Hirose supporting him. Both teams are looking to make their mark in this knockout stage of the tournament, and the stakes couldn't be higher for Kashima, who are eager to bounce back from their recent losses.
Renofa Yamaguchi FC enters this contest with a starting lineup that features goalkeeper Yuto Taguchi, defenders Yuto Mineta, Tatsusei Shimokawara, Shoma Hashigaya, and Ryota Ozawa. The midfield is anchored by Rui Yokoyama, Kim Bo-Myong, Shoji Ikenaga, and Yuki Yamamoto, while the forward line includes Yohei Okuyama and Arata Arida. Coach Ryo Shigeo will be counting on his players to deliver a solid performance against their J1 rivals.
On the other side, Kashima Antlers will field a strong squad, including goalkeeper Yuto Kajiwara, defenders Kosei Tanesho, Yoshito Izumizaki, Kim Tae-Hyeon, and Kai Sato. The midfield features Kento Misao, Wataru Hatamoto, Kaito Sukaoka, and Yuto Araki, with Kyohei Tagawa leading the attack. Head coach Go Oiwa is determined to guide his team to victory after their recent struggles in the league.
In a recent press conference, Coach Oiwa reflected on the team's recent performance, stating, "We lost a total war against Kyoto, but we must channel that frustration into our next match against Yamaguchi. They are a team that thoroughly executes hard work and set plays, and we need to be ready for that." Oiwa's comments underscore the importance of this match as a chance for redemption.
Kashima's recent form has been rocky, with two consecutive league defeats after a solid victory against last season's champions, Vissel Kobe, on March 29, 2025. The team lost to Hiroshima 4-2 on April 2 and then suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat at home against Kyoto just two days ago. These results have left Kashima fans anxious, but the Levain Cup presents a new opportunity for the team to regain their footing.
As the match approaches, both teams are gearing up for what promises to be an intense battle. Renofa Yamaguchi FC, competing in J2, is looking to make a statement by taking down a J1 powerhouse like Kashima. The home crowd at Mirai Stadium will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the Yamaguchi players, who will be keen to capitalize on any mistakes made by their opponents.
Yamaguchi's coach, Ryo Shigeo, has emphasized the importance of hard work and discipline in preparing for this match. He believes that if his team can execute their game plan effectively, they have a solid chance of advancing to the next round. Shigeo remarked, "We know that Kashima is a strong team, but we are ready to put our best foot forward and show what we can do on our home turf."
With both teams eager to prove themselves, fans can expect a thrilling encounter filled with drama, skill, and determination. The players will be looking to leave everything on the pitch as they battle for a spot in the next round of the Levain Cup.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, anticipation builds for what could be a memorable evening of football. Will Kashima Antlers shake off their recent disappointments and secure a vital win, or will Renofa Yamaguchi FC pull off a stunning upset? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this match is not to be missed.
In conclusion, the Levain Cup 2nd round clash between Renofa Yamaguchi FC and Kashima Antlers is shaping up to be a captivating encounter. With both teams bringing their best to the field, fans can expect a night of high-stakes football that could very well determine the future of their respective campaigns.
