In a gripping encounter at the Sapporo Dome on March 29, 2025, Ventforet Kofu managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Consadole Sapporo in the J2 League's seventh round. This win marked Kofu's first triumph in six matches, halting a two-game losing streak and lifting them from the depths of the relegation zone, while Sapporo faced a disappointing setback at home.
The match began with a swift and decisive strike from Kofu. In the 7th minute, midfielder Yuki Hiratsuka delivered a low cross from a left corner kick that found teammate Sho Araki. Araki's left-footed shot found the back of the net, marking his first goal of the season and sending Kofu into an early lead.
Despite having the majority of possession throughout the match, Sapporo struggled to convert their opportunities into goals. The home side, aiming to bounce back after a shocking 3-6 loss to Fukushima in the Levain Cup just days earlier, found themselves on the back foot early in the game.
As the first half progressed, Kofu's defense stood firm against Sapporo's attempts to equalize. Kofu recorded 13 shots in the first half compared to Sapporo's six, demonstrating their offensive prowess and ability to challenge Sapporo's defense. Sapporo’s coach, Daiki Iwanaga, made adjustments in the second half, substituting forward Yuto Shiraishi into the game, hoping to shift the momentum.
In the second half, Sapporo intensified their efforts to find an equalizer. In the 56th minute, Shiraishi had a golden opportunity to level the score with a header from a cross delivered by Haruya Umaba from the right side of the penalty area. However, Kofu's goalkeeper, Kohei Kawada, made a remarkable save, denying Sapporo the chance to get back into the match.
Sapporo continued to push forward, but despite their best efforts and multiple substitutions—five changes were made by the 76th minute—they could not break through Kofu’s resilient defense. The match ended with Sapporo unable to score, resulting in a frustrating 0-1 defeat at home.
This loss not only halted Sapporo's two-game winning streak but also raised concerns as they slipped to 16th place in the league standings. With their next match against Tokushima on April 5 looming, the pressure is on Sapporo to turn their fortunes around and secure their first home win of the season.
Meanwhile, Kofu celebrated their much-needed victory, which not only boosted their morale but also provided a crucial three points in their fight against relegation. This match showcased the unpredictable nature of the J2 League, where every point counts and teams must stay sharp to avoid the drop.
As the season progresses, both teams will need to reassess their strategies and performances. For Kofu, this victory could be the turning point they desperately needed, while Sapporo must regroup and find a way to convert their possession into goals if they hope to climb back up the standings.
With the league heating up, fans can expect more thrilling matches as teams jockey for position in the J2 League. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial as each team fights for their place in the league, and the battle against relegation intensifies.
