Sanfrecce Hiroshima maintained their winning momentum with another impressive victory, defeating Yokohama F. Marinos 1-0 on February 23, 2025, during the J1 League second round. This win not only marked their second consecutive success this league season but also extended their impressive official match winning streak to five, including triumphs in various competitions.
The match took place at the Edion Peace Wing Stadium, where both teams have been battling the challenges of overlapping schedules due to competing in the AFC Champions League alongside their league responsibilities. Sanfrecce Hiroshima entered the game full of confidence, having recently claimed their victory in the FUJIFILM SUPER CUP on February 8, solidifying their reputation as one of the teams to watch this season.
From the start, Sanfrecce took control of the game, showcasing their energy and determination. Despite creating several opportunities, they faced tough resistance from Yokohama, who were eager to secure their first win of the league after drawing their opening match. The first half concluded without any goals, as both teams struggled to break the deadlock.
Things began to shift for Sanfrecce at the start of the second half when Geraint Yō, their new forward, made his mark on the game. He tackled the opposing defender to gain possession and, with his shot making contact with Jason Quinones' hand, referees awarded Sanfrecce Hiroshima a penalty. Without hesitation, Yō took the penalty himself and sent it low to the left corner of the net, putting his team 1-0 up in the 49th minute.
Yokohama, now under pressure, responded by making aggressive substitutions to find their way back. They threw on several attacking players, aiming to break Sanfrecce's strong defensive line. Despite their efforts, they were unable to find the equalizing goal. Notably, Watanabe Kōta attempted to strike from outside the box but sent his shot sky-high, hitting the crossbar instead, ensuring Sanfrecce hung on to their 1-0 lead.
This game not only highlighted the scoring prowess of Yō, who scored his first goal for the club, but also showcased the remarkable defensive stability Sanfrecce displayed throughout the match. Celebrated defender Araki Hayato was instrumental, helping to maintain the impressive statistic of just one goal conceded over five official matches.
After the match, coach Skibbe expressed his pride, stating, "We played energetically and kept our composure which is key for maintaining our streak. The team is getting stronger with each match."
The victory sends the team to the top with six points from two matches, already tasting early success and garnering them recognition as serious contenders for the season.
For Yokohama, the loss came as another setback, having entered the match seeking their first points of the season. After starting with one draw, they sat at the bottom of the league, with fans now left questioning how the team can compose itself for upcoming fixtures. The next match for Sanfrecce Hiroshima will take place on February 26 against Shimizu S-Pulse, where they will aim to continue riding this wave of success.
The current performance of Sanfrecce Hiroshima, especially their ability to seamlessly integrate new players like Geraint Yō, is not just exciting for their fan base but also gives hope for future success on both domestic and international stages. With five wins now under their belt at the season's start, expectations are undoubtedly high for this resilient team.