The first round of the 2025 J League YBC Levain Cup is set to unfold today, March 20, 2025, as Zweigen Kanazawa takes on Shonan Bellmare at the Ishikawa Nishibu Ryokuchi Park Stadium. The match is scheduled to kick off at 14:00.
Fans will be treated to an exciting match-up as Zweigen Kanazawa, under head coach Akira Ito, faces off against Shonan Bellmare, led by Satoshi Yamaguchi. The stakes are high in this knockout format, and both teams are eager to secure their place in the next round.
Zweigen Kanazawa's starting lineup features goalkeeper Takuya Yamazanoi, who will be supported by a defense comprising Kazuki Anzai, Mao Kaneko, Tomoya Shiro, Hiroshi Hirano, and Kaito Miyazaki. The midfield is manned by Takatoshi Ishihara, Hayato Murata, Hiroki Kato, Shinta Fukushima, and the offense is spearheaded by Kohei Sugiura.
Shonan Bellmare, on the other hand, fields a strong team including goalkeeper Genki Kamifuku and defenders Kazuki Oiwa, Yuito Suzuki, Naoya Takahashi, Akito Matsumura, and Taito Miyashiro. The midfield is anchored by Tomoya Fujii, Shoko Hirano, and Haruki Izuta, with Kaito Suzuki and Lukeian as forwards.
This match comes with some historical context; it's a stage for rising talents and seasoned players alike. As both teams prepare, the importance of mindset has been stressed. Coach Yamaguchi stated, “The Levain Cup can often feel uncertain or unsteady, and I want the players to fully commit to what they need to do.” His emphasis on mental preparation reflects the psychological intensity of knockout tournaments.
In the first half of the match today, Kanazawa quickly made their mark when Hiroki Kato scored in the 27th minute. This early goal set the tone for the match, igniting the spirits of the home crowd. However, Shonan quickly responded when Taito Miyashiro equalized in the 37th minute, demonstrating their resilience and readiness to compete fiercely.
The day of the match is dogged by rigorous traditions and fan expectations in Japanese football, known for its vibrant and passionate supporters. As the game unfolds, both teams will endeavor to meet the expectations of their fans while navigating the competitive atmosphere.
As the afternoon progresses, match statistics will matter significantly. Both teams are being scrutinized for their possession, shooting accuracy, and pass success rate. Early indications show a closely contested match, with both squads displaying a balanced approach on both ends of the pitch.
While the action shakes out on the field, preparations off it are equally meticulous, with refereeing duties falling to Harrison Brea, supported by assistant referees Takashi Tsukishiro and Taiyo Takenaga.
Today’s encounter at Ishikawa Nishibu allows both clubs an opportunity to showcase their abilities and readiness. With players and coaches gearing up for a showdown, fans eagerly await the outcome of this tightly contested first round of the cup.
As the clock runs down, tension will mount for both players and supporters alike, reflecting the indomitable spirit of Japanese football as it continues to captivate audiences near and far.
