Match Report
On the table this was a mismatch: Vissel Kobe (5th, 64 pts) held a 40-point advantage over Albirex Niigata (20th, 24 pts). Vissel Kobe had been under-performing their position — 13th on five-round form against 5th in the table.
Albirex Niigata had gone 15 games without a win.
Goal scorers
Albirex Niigata: Takuya Shimamura (74'), Yamato Wakatsuki (90') · Vissel Kobe: Yuya Osako (52'), Yuya Osako (45')
Key stats
Possession: Albirex Niigata 53% · Vissel Kobe 47% · Total shots: 6-18 · On target: 4-7 · Corners: 6-2