Match Report
On paper the standings were lopsided — Montedio Yamagata 7th with 68 points, Giravanz Kitakyushu 20th with 35, 33 apart. The last five rounds placed Montedio Yamagata no better than 16th for form, against 7th in the standings. In league terms the two rates read 1.45/1.17 for Montedio Yamagata and 0.83/1.57 for Giravanz Kitakyushu (scored/conceded per game); the competition average is 1.19.
ND Soft Stadium Yamagata staged the fixture, a ground that holds 21,292. Half-time and full-time told different stories: Montedio Yamagata led 2-0 at the break, before 4 more goals closed it at 5-1.
Goal scorers
Montedio Yamagata: Vinícius Araújo (29'), Vinícius Araújo (57'), Vinícius Araújo (61'), M. Hayashi (88'), Vinícius Araújo (26') · Giravanz Kitakyushu: T. Tomiyama (79')
Key stats
Possession: Montedio Yamagata 43% · Giravanz Kitakyushu 57% · Total shots: 11-9 · On target: 7-1 · Corners: 6-9