In a stunning turn of events, Nagoya Grampus, the reigning champions of the Levain Cup, found themselves eliminated in the second round after a nail-biting penalty shootout against J2 side Toyama on April 16, 2025. The match, which took place at Nagoya's home ground, was a must-win for the team, especially after suffering two consecutive losses in the league. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, leading to the decisive penalty kicks where Nagoya ultimately fell 5-6.
Manager Kenta Hasegawa reflected on the disappointment, stating, "Kataller (Toyama) fought very toughly in an organized manner. We couldn't score a goal." His comments highlighted the struggle Nagoya faced in breaking down Toyama's resilient defense throughout the match.
The game began with both teams unable to find the net in regular time, pushing the match into extra time. During the first half of extra time, Toyama took the lead in the 9th minute when Nagoya's defense faltered, allowing forward Takeaki Muroi to score with a well-placed header. However, Nagoya responded quickly just two minutes later, as substitute forward Mateus equalized with a powerful left-footed shot from distance, reigniting hopes for the home crowd.
As the match progressed into the penalty shootout, the tension mounted. Nagoya's goalkeeper, Pisono Alexis Kotaro, made a crucial save against Toyama's first penalty kick, giving his team an early advantage. However, as the shootout continued, Nagoya's fourth kicker, defender Miyahara, missed his attempt, putting pressure back on the team. The shootout extended beyond the initial five kicks, but ultimately, it was defender Ryota Sato's miss that sealed Nagoya's fate, sending the fans into a state of disbelief.
After the match, Hasegawa took a moment to listen to the voices of the supporters, acknowledging their disappointment. He stated, "The players fought with the intention of winning for the supporters, but even if we let the supporters hear their voices, I still think we are not working hard enough." His words reflect the urgency for improvement as the team prepares for their next match against Hiroshima on April 20, 2025.
This defeat marks a significant setback for Nagoya, who were aiming for consecutive titles in the Levain Cup. The team had made some changes to their lineup following their recent league losses, including the introduction of midfielder Hayato Nakayama to bolster their attack. Despite these adjustments, the team struggled to convert opportunities into goals, a recurring issue that has plagued them in recent matches.
Meanwhile, in other football news, tragedy struck the Gabon national team as forward who had recently joined Zhejiang FC in the Chinese Super League died at the young age of 28 after a fall from a building in China. The football community mourns the loss of a promising talent, and tributes have poured in from fans and players alike.
As the Levain Cup continues, the third round matchups have been announced, featuring four matches between J1 teams. The anticipation builds as fans wonder if the three J2 teams that advanced can continue their surprising runs.
In the J1 league, Yokohama's Ken Matsubara expressed his frustration after the team has gone six matches without a win, stating, "Nothing is more important than winning for us now." The pressure is mounting for teams across the league as they strive to secure their positions and avoid falling further behind.
On the managerial front, former Aston Villa manager has made headlines for his scathing critique of PSG's captain, labeling him as "the most overrated center-back in Europe." His comments have sparked discussions among fans and analysts, questioning the captain's role in the team's defensive strategies.
In the world of Formula 1, speculation is swirling around the potential transfer of Max Verstappen to a historically significant team that has recently been overlooked. Ralf Schumacher has hinted at the possibility, stating, "There is an important team that is forgettable but not wrong." Such moves could shake up the competitive landscape of the sport.
Additionally, Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma has been a topic of discussion as he opts for an unusual media blackout amid transfer rumors. His teammate Daichi Kamada has been observed expressing concern for him, indicating the pressure that comes with such speculation.
As the sports world continues to evolve, fans are left wondering how these developments will affect their favorite teams and players. With the Levain Cup and league matches ahead, excitement and tension are sure to rise in the coming weeks.
For Nagoya Grampus, the focus now shifts to their upcoming match against Hiroshima, where they must regroup and demonstrate a stronger performance to silence the critics and restore faith among their supporters. The journey ahead is crucial, and the team knows that every match counts as they aim to get back on track.
