On March 16, 2025, Kyoto Sanga F.C. celebrated their long-awaited victory against Shimizu S-Pulse, winning with a score of 2-1 at the IAI Stadium Nihondaira. With this match, Sanga not only secured their first win after two struggles but also achieved their first game this season with multiple goals. This victory was pivotal, raising their points from 5 to 8.
The game started with high intensity, and Sanga quickly displayed their determination to turn around their recent defeat against Fukuoka, where they lost 0-1. Their new addition, Pedro, was instrumental to their success, scoring his first goal with the team. Pedro's contribution came from excellent teamwork, especially noted during the buildup involving Rafael Elias, who assisted the goal.
Despite their solid performance, Shimizu S-Pulse found themselves struggling defensively. Early mistakes led to conceding both goals. Sanga exploited this opportunity, with their first score occurring before halftime. Their confidence surged, and they capitalized on Shimizu's weak defensive plays.
Shimizu did not go down without putting up a fight. During the second half, they finally managed to narrow the gap when Kitagawa scored from the penalty spot. This was set up after Iwao drew the foul within the penalty area, reigniting hope for the home side, but it was not enough to secure them points.
Shimizu's defeat marked the first back-to-back losses of this season, coming after they had set high expectations. Their performance against Sanga raised concerns among the fans and critics alike about maintaining momentum as they enter future matches.
Looking forward, Sanga's Coach highlighted the importance of this victory, stating, "This win will build our confidence for the upcoming matches. We now aim for consistency." The players echoed this sentiment, reflecting optimism about their nascent synergy.
Given the historical rivalries and competition within J1 League, both teams will reflect on their respective journeys. Kyoto Sanga F.C. looks to build on the win to solidify their position, aiming for higher rankings. Shimizu S-Pulse must regroup quickly to avert more setbacks as the season progresses.