Match Report
Albirex Niigata, 20th on 24 points, faced a 36-point deficit to Machida Zelvia (6th, 60). Machida Zelvia ranked just 12th in the league on five-round form despite their 6th table position. In league terms the two rates read 0.95/1.76 for Albirex Niigata and 1.37/1 for Machida Zelvia (scored/conceded per game); the competition average is 1.2.
Momentum sat with Machida Zelvia, winners of their last three.
8 previous meetings sit in the GioScore records — Albirex Niigata 3, draws 2, Machida Zelvia 3, at 2 goals per meeting. Historically tight: 25% of the meetings went beyond two goals.
The venue was Denka Big Swan Stadium in Niigata, with room for 42,300 spectators. Half-time and full-time told different stories: Machida Zelvia led 1-0 at the break, before 3 more goals closed it at 0-4.
Goal scorers
Machida Zelvia: Takuma Nishimura (43'), Shota Fujio (76'), Yuki Soma (61'), Yuki Soma (67')