The fourth round of the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League saw Yokohama F. Marinos and Shonan Bellmare face off at Nissan Stadium, resulting in a tightly contested match ending in a 1-1 draw on March 1st. This game marked Shonan's impressive three-match winning streak coming to halt, whereas Yokohama remained without victory, having not won any of their first four matches (three draws and one loss).
Both teams entered the match with different goals. Yokohama, struggling to find their rhythm after three matches of only one goal scored, rearranged their starting lineup, bringing on forwards Eubel and Kenji Ueji, among others. Meanwhile, Shonan carried confidence from their unbeaten streak, which had seen them secure three straight victories to take the early lead in the league standings.
The match began with Shonan asserting early control and taking advantage of their width, applying pressure to Yokohama's defense. The game's first real opportunity came when Fujii Tomoya got the ball on the right side and sent it to Kosuke Onose, who created the chance, but following his cross, goalkeeper Park Il-kyu was quick to make the save.
Shonan saw another chance just before the 20-minute mark with Еubel and Anderson Lopes combining well to set up Matsubara Ken's powerful shot, which unfortunately sailed high over the goal. Yet soon, Yokohama found their footing, and the match shifted when, at the 37th minute, they struck first. Following a corner taken by Nagato Katsuya, Ueji headed the ball home through deflection, putting them 1-0 up.
Yokohama led at the halfway mark, defending stoutly but also struggling to capitalize on subsequent chances. They faced adjustments after the break, substituting Sandie Walsh and leaving enough room for their opponents to come back, which they eventually did. Just ten minutes after returning to play, Shonan’s Hayaka Hiraoka shot inside the box, and after Park saved it, the ball fell to Kuki Ishii, who slotted it home to level the score.
From this point, both teams pushed hard for the win. Yokohama aimed to retake the lead with attacking endeavors spearheaded by Eubel. Even though both teams had chances, including another save from Park, neither could find the back of the net before the final whistle. The combative match concluded with Yokohama still searching for their first victory of the season and seeing Shonan’s winning streak come to an end.
After the match, the prospects for both teams loom large. For Yokohama, it's about digging deep to secure their first three points this season, capitalizing on the talent they possess. Coach shows confidence, believing once they break the barrier, momentum will follow. Meanwhile, Shonan will look to adapt and recover quickly to get back to their winning ways with their next matchup coming soon, as they hope to improve on their league position.