In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, Shimizu S-Pulse triumphed over Shonan Bellmare with a resounding 3-0 victory in the 7th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League on March 29, 2025, at IAI Stadium Nihondaira. This win marked a significant turnaround for Shimizu, who had been struggling with a winless streak of five matches, finally securing their third victory of the season.
The match began with Shimizu showcasing their intent early on. In the 11th minute, a foul by Shonan's Kim Min-tae on Yuto Ueno inside the penalty area resulted in a penalty kick for Shimizu. Forward Kota Kitagawa stepped up to take the penalty, coolly slotting the ball into the bottom right corner, catching the goalkeeper off guard and giving Shimizu a crucial early lead.
With momentum on their side, Shimizu continued to press for more goals. In the 28th minute, Mateus Bueno showcased his dribbling prowess, maneuvering through the center before delivering a precise pass to Hayate Matsuoka. Positioned just outside the penalty area, Matsuoka took advantage of the opportunity, scoring with a composed right-footed shot that extended Shimizu's lead to 2-0.
Shonan Bellmare, who had started the season with promise, found themselves in a challenging position as they sought to respond. However, their efforts were thwarted by Shimizu's solid defense. In the 63rd minute, Shonan’s Toshiki Suzuki managed to find the back of the net, but his goal was disallowed for offside, leaving the team frustrated.
As the game progressed into the second half, Shimizu remained resolute and determined to secure their victory. In the 67th minute, Kitagawa struck again, scoring his second goal of the match. After intercepting a pass from Shonan's defense, Mateus Bueno quickly transitioned the play, sending a well-timed pass to Kitagawa, who faced the goalkeeper one-on-one and finished clinically, sealing the match at 3-0.
Shimizu's defense was equally impressive, achieving a clean sheet for the first time since their second match against Niigata. The victory not only halted their losing streak but also revitalized their season, lifting them to a total of 11 points in the league standings.
Post-match, Shimizu's coach expressed relief and satisfaction with the performance, particularly praising the teamwork and resilience shown by his players. “It was crucial for us to bounce back after a tough stretch. The players executed our game plan perfectly, and I couldn’t be prouder of their effort,” he stated.
On the other hand, Shonan Bellmare faced a tough reality as they experienced their second consecutive loss, leaving them without a win in their last four league matches. Coach of Shonan, reflecting on the game, noted, “We need to regroup and focus on our next match. We had chances, but we need to convert them into goals.”
The attendance for the match was a respectable 17,684, with fans witnessing a thrilling encounter that showcased the competitive spirit of the J1 League. With this victory, Shimizu aims to build on their success as they prepare to face Urawa Reds away on April 2, while Shonan will look to find their form against Kawasaki Frontale in their upcoming fixture.
As the league progresses, both teams will undoubtedly be looking to capitalize on their strengths and learn from their setbacks. For Shimizu, the momentum gained from this match could prove pivotal in their quest for a successful season.
