The 2025 YBC Levain Cup is kicking off, marking an exciting time for Japanese football fans. Starting on March 20, 2025, the tournament opens with several noteworthy matches, including J1 champions Nagoya Grampus against J3 side Tegevajaro Miyazaki.
Nagoya, the defending champions of the Levain Cup, are currently struggling in the J1 league, where they sit at the bottom with just one match win to their name. With a pressing need to regain confidence and find their footing, Coach Kenta Hasegawa expressed that the first-round match against Miyazaki is seen as a crucial opportunity to change the team’s momentum. As reported on March 19, 2025, he stated that the encounter "is a match to change the flow.”
In a strategic move, Hasegawa will reinstate goalkeeper Shumit Daniel, who has recovered from an injury that sidelined him for the beginning of the season. Hasegawa remarked, “He understands the situation of the team and said, 'I will help you,' indicating his eagerness to assist in turning the tide.” Having Daniel back could provide a significant boost to a defense that has struggled significantly early this season.
In this opening match, which will commence at 14:00 at Ichigo Miyazaki New Tomi Soccer Stadium, the stakes are high for Nagoya. They aim to snatch their first victory not just for bragging rights but crucially to kickstart their season. This encounter carries extra meaning since it marks Daniel's debut match with Grampus after his transfer, providing him with a chance to showcase his skills in a competitive environment.
Tegevajaro Miyazaki, on the other hand, is relishing the opportunity to host the reigning champions and aims to pull off an upset. With players eager to make their mark, they might prove to be a tough opponent, despite being from the lower division. As the cup unfolds, all eyes will be on Nagoya’s response to their J1 league struggles. Will they rise to the occasion?
The Levain Cup features a total of 55 teams divided into seven groups for the initial rounds taking place from March to May 2025. Notable clubs from J1, such as Urawa Red Diamonds, Vissel Kobe, Kawasaki Frontale, Yokohama F. Marinos, and Sanfrecce Hiroshima, will not participate in the early rounds as they compete in other international tournaments.
Only the top teams from each group and Hiroshima will advance to the playoffs scheduled for June, with the final knockout phase set to begin later in the year. The knockout stage promises some fierce competition as teams get one step closer to lifting the trophy.
In a broader context, several other matches on the opening day include: Vanraure Hachinohe vs. Albirex Niigata, FC Gifu vs. Yokohama FC, and FC Ryukyu vs. Avispa Fukuoka, among others, each kicking off at 14:00. Fans will have various viewing options available as well, such as Soccer LIVE Light on Amazon, which offers a subscription at 2,350 yen. These arrangements will ensure that football enthusiasts won’t miss any of the action.
The clash between Miyazaki and Nagoya is undoubtedly the highlight, not just as a competitive fixture but as a signaling of hopes for revival for the Grampus. With Hasegawa determined to secure a win and boost morale, it remains to be seen if the expectations placed upon these teams will manifest into success on the pitch.
