Match Week 10 of the 2025 MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE season concluded on Sunday, with Urawa Reds defeating FC Machida Zelvia 2-0 and Albirex Niigata and Yokohama FC playing out a scoreless draw.
Centre-back Marius Hoibraten got Urawa up and running in the 15th minute at Japan National Stadium, the Norwegian expertly guiding home a low ball into the box from Matheus Savio with the outside of his left boot.
FC Machida almost equalised 10 minutes later when Takuma Nishimura rose highest to meet a Yuki Soma cross from the left flank, but his powerful header skidded off the turf and inches wide of Shusaku Nishikawa’s goal.
Shusaku Nishikawa then played a key role as Urawa doubled their lead seven minutes before half time, drilling a pass forward to Ryoma Watanabe, who in turn flicked the ball in behind for Yusuke Matsuo to chase.
Yusuke Matsuo didn’t need asking twice, and capitalised upon his blistering pace to bear down on goal and fire past Kosei Tani just as FC Machida defender Gen Shoji slid in with a last-ditch tackle.
Neither side were able to add to the score in the second period, meaning FC Machida tasted defeat for the first time in seven 2025 MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE games while Urawa have now lost just once in their last six outings in the top flight.
Sunday’s only other game took place at DENKA BIG SWAN STADIUM, where it finished 0-0 between Niigata and Yokohama FC.
Motoki Hasegawa went very close to breaking the deadlock for Niigata midway through the first half, but after chasing down Kaito Taniguchi’s ball in behind he saw his effort hit the bar, before Yota Komi sent a looped effort off target in the 41st minute.
Yokohama FC also threatened before the break, but Kota Yamada headed their best chance just wide in the 43rd minute.
The second half was something of a cagey affair with chances at a premium, and while substitute Ken Yamura did have the ball in the net for Niigata in the 90th minute it had struck his hand as he tried to bring it under control and the goal was ruled out, leaving the teams to make do with a point apiece.
FC Machida Zelvia vs. Urawa Reds - Game Highlights | 2025 J1 LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS | MW 10
Albirex Niigata vs. Yokohama FC - Game Highlights | 2025 J1 LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS | MW 10
