Match Report
Shimizu S-Pulse, 14th on 44 points, faced a 24-point deficit to Kyoto Sanga (3rd, 68). Shimizu S-Pulse had been under-performing their position — 19th on five-round form against 14th in the table. Against a league average of 1.2 goals per team per game, Kyoto Sanga ran at 1.63 scored and 1.05 conceded, Shimizu S-Pulse at 1.08 and 1.34.
Defeat had not touched Kyoto Sanga in 5 games. Recent form was uneven: 13/15 points for Kyoto Sanga, 6/15 for Shimizu S-Pulse.
The match was played at Sanga Stadium by Kyocera (Kameoka) in Kameoka. Half-time and full-time told different stories: it was 0-0 at the break, before 1 more goal closed it at 0-1.
Goal scorers
Shimizu S-Pulse: Shinya Yajima (75')
Key stats
Possession: Kyoto Sanga 59% · Shimizu S-Pulse 41% · Total shots: 21-8 · On target: 8-4 · Corners: 7-2