Shonan Bellmare celebrated their historic start to the J1 League season after defeating Urawa Reds 2-1 on February 26, 2025, at the Lemon Gas Stadium in Hiratsuka. This victory marked the first time in the club's history they achieved three consecutive wins at the beginning of the league.
Shonan came off strong, having already won their previous two matches, and they entered the field with the same starting eleven as those games. Urawa, on the other hand, was still searching for their first win, having drawn their last two encounters. The stakes were high as Shonan aimed to set the tone for the season and Urawa sought redemption.
The home team made their intentions clear early on. Just 12 minutes in, Shonan's Kosuke Onose exhibited his skill with a penetrating run down the right flank, delivering a ground cross aimed for Shohei Fukuda. Unfortunately for Shonan, Fukuda narrowly missed the chance as Urawa's goalkeeper, Shusaku Nishikawa, intervened.
Shonan continued to press, and their persistence paid off at the 26th minute. After several attacks, Fukuda received the ball at the precise moment, deftly positioning himself to finish. Kosuke Onose again coordinated with midfielder Yuto Suzuki, whose cross found Fukuda at the far post. With swift precision, Fukuda managed to score, giving Shonan the early lead.
Leading 1-0 at halftime, Shonan appeared focused and ready to extend their advantage, something coach Yuya Nishida emphasized, motivating his players to maintain their momentum. Changing strategies, Urawa substituted players to reinvigorate their lineup, bringing on Genki Haraguchi, hoping to turn the tide.
Yet, it was Shonan who struck again shortly after the break; just four minutes later, Akito Suzuki scored with an impressive header from a right corner kick taken by Onose. The stadium erupted as Shonan celebrated their second goal, taking their lead to 2-0.
The game shifted as Shonan's confidence soared. They continued to dominate the pitch, sustaining pressure on Urawa, who struggled to gain footing. Amid Shonan’s relentless attacks, Urawa began substituting aggressively, trying to equalize.
Then, with Urawa seemingly on the brink of desperation, they managed to slash the deficit with 62 minutes played. Thiago Santana responded for Urawa, scoring from close range after a slick interchange with Matsumoto Taishi. Suddenly, the match turned tense as Urawa's spirits lifted, moving to apply pressure on Shonan.
Despite Urawa's attempts to balance the scoreboard, Shonan's defense remained steadfast. Urawa's offensive lineup, featuring players like Makoto Nagakura and Yusuke Matsuo, failed to connect, repeatedly meeting Shonan's organized backline.
The match wore on with nail-biting tension, yet Shonan's solid defense held on until the final whistle blew, securing the 2-1 victory. The impressive attendance of 11,351 fans witnessed not only Shonan’s hard-fought win but also their ascension to the top of the J1 League standings, where they proudly look forward to continuing their successful run.
Following this match, players and staff alike expressed their aspirations for the rest of the season. Coach Nishida remarked, "We aim to maintain this momentum throughout the season,” reflecting the collective determination felt within the team.
With this unique start to the J1 League, Shonan Bellmare fans are left optimistic for the remaining fixtures, eagerly anticipating what the season holds for their team.