Match Report
Ehime, 21st on 35 points, faced a 33-point deficit to Albirex Niigata (6th, 68). Recent form told a different story for Albirex Niigata: only 11th in the league over the last five rounds despite sitting 6th. Scoring rates set the scale: Albirex Niigata 1.45 scored and 0.95 conceded per game, Ehime 0.9 and 1.6, with the league averaging 1.19.
Ehime had not won in 6 games. Over the last five, Albirex Niigata had taken 8 of 15 points to Ehime's 2.
The match was played at Denka Big Swan Stadium (capacity 42,300). On the scoreboard, Albirex Niigata led 1-0 at the break; 1 second-half goal set the final 2-0.
Goal scorers
Albirex Niigata: K. Suzuki (90'), R. Frank (31')
Key stats
Possession: Albirex Niigata 59% · Ehime 41% · Total shots: 13-8 · On target: 4-4 · Corners: 8-9