The stage was set at the National Stadium on February 8 as Sanfrecce Hiroshima confronted Vissel Kobe in the highly anticipated Fujifilm Super Cup, marking the official launch of the new J-League season. The match brought together both teams’ top talents with Sanfrecce aiming to reclaim glory after a nine-year wait.
This year’s Super Cup attracted an impressive crowd of 53,343 fans, making it the most attended match of the tournament’s history. With air filled with excitement and anticipation, the match kicked off right on time at 1:36 PM. Sanfrecce came onto the pitch with clear ambitions, and they certainly delivered.
From the outset, Sanfrecce’s aggressive strategy was evident, and they drew first blood when forward Toru Gai Arslan scored with a deft header off a right-side cross just 12 minutes after the whistle blew. The early lead energized the squad, allowing them to command the game with confidence.
Coach Michael Skibbe, now beginning his fourth season with the club, noted the importance of starting strong against such formidable opponents. “It was thrilling to secure the title against strong opponents like Kobe. We played with enthusiasm from the front, and achieving this victory was pivotal for our confidence,” he stated after the match.
Further solidifying their dominance, Sanfrecce added another goal to their tally through defender Hayato Araki, who expertly headed home from a corner kick around the 70-minute mark. This goal sealed their fate, as they controlled the game and maintained their defensive integrity until the final whistle.
With their 2-0 victory over Vissel Kobe, Sanfrecce Hiroshima captured their fifth Super Cup title, making it their first triumph since 2014. This impressive achievement also came with a substantial monetary reward of 30 million yen. This win is particularly remarkable as Sanfrecce has now secured the Super Cup every time they have competed, maintaining a perfect record of five titles.
Last season, Sanfrecce finished as runners-up in the J1 League, losing out on the championship to Kobe, who boasted both the league title and the Emperor's Cup. The match served not only as redemption but as a springboard for what they hope will be a fruitful season, including strong performances expected both domestically and internationally.
Notably, new recruits Jermaine Pennant and Sōta Tanaka made notable contributions on the pitch, enhancing Sanfrecce’s attack. Their impressive interplay showed promise for the upcoming league matches. Defender Araki remarked on the performance of new players, saying, “It was great to score and play alongside strong new additions. We’ve built good chemistry, and this victory is significant for us.”
Skibbe, who has led the team to top-three finishes over the past few years, looks forward to both league and Champions League challenges. He emphasized the need for consistency as the league schedule intensifies. “Our goal is to win every title this season, and today’s victory boosts our morale moving forward. We need to keep this momentum,” he added.
The Super Cup, which has seen its last installment under the current scheduling, has roots dating back to 1994. The change to league format requires adapting this event to February moving forward, yet the legacy remains strong as this concludes the tradition of the J-League opening match.
Captain Sho Sasaki expressed great optimism, stating, “Starting the season with such determination gives us the energy to fight through the coming challenges, including the ACL and the League. We have built momentum and must continue building on it.” He rallied fan support, emphasizing the importance of their backing as the season progresses.
With the excitement of victory fresh and ambitions lofty, all eyes now turn to the domestic league where Sanfrecce Hiroshima will strive not only to maintain their form but to secure additional honors. Their victory at the Super Cup is just the beginning of what they hope to be another memorable season.