FC Machida Zelvia secured their first home victory of the season, defeating Albirex Niigata 1-0 on March 15, 2025, during the J1 League Round 6 match at G Suta Stadium. This victory brought Machida to three consecutive wins after struggling initially with one victory and two defeats from their first three matches.
The match kicked off at 14:00, with Koichi Takasaki serving as the main referee. Machida entered the game without changing their starting lineup from the previous match, where they won against Yokohama FC. This decision from manager Tsuyoshi Kuroda seemed to pay off. Conversely, Niigata adjusted their approach, introducing two new starters—DF Jason Geria and DF Akito Mori—who made their first appearances of the season.
The match began with Machida quickly demonstrating their attacking prowess. Within the opening minutes, they created significant pressure on Niigata's defense. FW Oh Se-hun gained possession and facilitated plays, nearly setting Nishimura up for an early chance, which was thwarted by Niigata's goalkeeper Kazuki Fujita.
Niigata attempted to counter and found their rhythm with high pressing, yet their attempts to penetrate Machida's defense often fell short. Their most promising opportunity came from MF Hiroki Akiyama, whose volley following a lofted pass from his teammate went off target—reflecting the day’s struggle for both teams to finish well.
The turning point came at the 25th minute when Machida finally broke the deadlock. After Niigata's buildup was stopped, Machida regained possession. MF Hokuto Shimoda collected the loose ball, passing it to Yuto Sagamihara, who delivered a perfect cross from the left flank. FW Takuma Nishimura capitalized on this with an exceptional header, notching his third goal of the season. This early lead set the tone for Machida.
Holding on to their lead as halftime approached, Machida maintained composure and confidence. Their defensive strategy, underpinned by the solid performance from goalkeeper Kosuke Tani and defenders such as Gen Shoji, ensured they kept their clean sheet intact.
On the other hand, Niigata faced pressure; coach Daisuke Kitamura made the tactical decision to revert to a four-back system after halftime, bringing on FW Ken Yamura to intensify their offensive efforts. Despite occasional sparks from the revived formation, including highlighted efforts from FW Kaito Taniguchi and MF Ken Yamura, Niigata failed to convert their chances.
Machida's defense held firm during this push, expertly reacting to Niigata’s attempts to equalize. For example, defender Daihachi Okamura’s standout ability to disrupt plays thwarted several attacking moves crafted by the visitors. Meanwhile, Machida aimed to double their lead but had another goal ruled out for offside, illustrating the tight margins of the contest.
Throughout the second half, both teams continued to battle fiercely, with Niigata pressing hard for the equalizer, reflected by their increased risk-taking. Yet, Machida effectively managed the game's tempo, absorbing the pressure and countering when opportunities arose, mainly through the dangerous combination of Nishimura and Se-hun.
Substitutions played their part as Machida adjusted their players strategically during the later stages of the match. Notably, both teams utilized their benches to inject fresh energy, but neither side was able to find the net again.
The match ended with Machida celebrating their impactful victory, which now parallels them on points with Kashima Antlers at the top of the league standings. Meanwhile, Niigata's struggles mounted as they were left with no wins after six matches, drawing three and losing three, prompting questions about their season outlook moving forward. Coach Kinami will need to re-evaluate strategies as the team finds itself deep within relegation concerns.
Looking back, this fixture not only showcased Machida's resilience and tactical maturity but also highlighted the challenges Niigata must overcome as they navigate through this demanding season. With the momentum on their side, Machida could be poised for continued success, whereas Niigata must regroup swiftly to salvage their season.